Runnin’ Rabbs ready to make tracks
Track season is upon us. For Atlanta’s Runnin’ Rabbs the expectations are always high.
Why? Because this is a program built on excellence and pride.
From the leadership of Gordon Pynes to Lance Bernard to Nick Miller the Runnin’ Rabbs are a force to be reckoned with.
The history and tradition of the program speaks for itself although official records weren’t kept until the late 80’s.
Atlanta’s boys’ track program has won six state titles, was state runner-up three times, has 12 regional titles, has four area championships and has won 30 district titles in 32 years.
Last Season
The Runnin’ Rabbs were dominant last season.
The varsity team placed first in the Paul Parr Relays hosted by Liberty-Eylau and was the only school to crack the 100-point mark, placed first at the Eagle Relays hosted by Tatum after rolling up 191 points which was 70 points better than the second place team, placed second to 4A Center by 11 points at the Bulldog Relays hosted by Jefferson with players out due to the basketball playoffs, won the Atlanta Lions Club/Gordon Pynes/Runnin’ Rabbs Relays for the 17th time in 26 years by racking up 217 points, destroyed the competition and placed first in the Joe Culpepper Relays hosted by Redwater after earning 229.5 points, cruised to a championship in the inaugural Rabbit Pride Relays by earning 206 points, won its 30th district championship in 32 years by racking up 223 points which was 126 points better than the second place team and came within one point of earning its fifth area championship in school history.
This Season
Atlanta’s Head Track Coach, Nick Miller, knows all-to-well what the expectations are for this program as he was once a Runnin’ Rabb.
“We have extremely high expectations for this season,” Miller said. “With basketball hopefully making a deep playoff run, we will be missing some of our key returners for some of the earlier meets. With that being said, depth may be an issue early but those we do have we expect great things.”
Being a coach is like being a chess player sometimes. You have to move pieces around to see what works best or what may be the best move.
That’s why track coaches move athletes around through the season. It may be the right formula isn’t put together until the week of the district meet, and tweaking may be needed as they work through the season.
“There is always something to work on, no matter what point in the season. The key is having a group that is always coachable,” Miller remarked.
The JV Team was also dominant and coachable last year, and Coach Miller alluded to how many of those guys will run on the varsity squad this year.
“A large number of last year’s JV team will comprise our varsity this year,” Miller added.
With the way both squads performed last season it should be a memorable year for the Runnin’ Rabbs.
Most coaches have words of wisdom for the athletes that sticks with them throughout the season, and Coach Miller’s words are straight and to the point.
“Be tough and compete. It’s that simple,” Miller said. “If they have trusted my training and done what I asked in practices, then all they need to do is be tough and compete at the meet and it will work out.”
Coach Miller added, “I want to say how much I appreciate the dedication of these young men. Track is not an easy sport. The workouts hurt and you can’t hide, but they approach each day with a good attitude and are determined to win.”
Good attitudes and determination is a good start for a successful season.
The Runnin’ Rabbs’ season begins on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Maverick Relays in Marshall.