As spring sports seasons begin to get underway, all eyes are on Parkway South’s boys track team. The team is returning most of its best athletes from the previous season so they are ready for a great year.

Senior Srujan Garimella runs the 800 and 4×800 relay for the Patriots. He said he is excited to get the season started.

“We are much better than last year. All parts of our team are greatly improved,” Garimella said. 

Of the many returning athletes on the Patriots team, a lot of them are seniors. The throwers had a big group of returning seniors like Brett Thoelke. Thoelke is primarily a disc thrower for the Patriots.

“We have a very good group of senior guys this year,” says Thoelke. The senior has been working hard this offseason to add distance to his throws.

According to Thoelke the secret to success is “Practice, Practice, Practice.” 

Head Coach Joe Rosewell claims the team has been progressing very much in the offseason to get better after some success last year and they are hoping to build off that momentum going into this season.   

“Athletes have been working hard in the off-season and it already shows,” Rosewell said. “We have more seniors out this year than we have had in at least a decade. And they are a talented group.” 

The Patriots are attending some big meets this upcoming year. “The Eureka meet is a really big one, along with the Patriot Classic at home,” Garimella said. 

Last year at the Patriot classic Garimella finished 9th in the 800 with a time of 2:07.

“This year I want to break 2 minutes in the 800. This would be a top 10 time in the school’s history,” Garimella said. 

Along with Garimella, Thoelke has some big goals for his upcoming season. “My goal is to win districts.” 

Last year at the Patriot classic Thoelke threw 112 feet in the finals. Good enough for third place. 

Ultimately the team agrees on one big goal: “Let’s make it to state.” said best by senior Brandon Ingram.