On paper, track and field is simple. Times, distances, heights. Winners and losers. But spend even a few minutes around South’s girls varsity track team, and it becomes clear that what’s happening goes a lot deeper than numbers on a scoreboard. 

This season, the Patriots are chasing results—but they’re also building something that doesn’t show up in meet summaries: trust, resilience, and a sense of belonging across every event.

Head coach Robert Klebolt has a clear vision of what success looks like.

“Strong finishes at every meet and as many athletes as possible qualifying for the state championship are at the top of the list,” he said.

According to Klebolt, the way his team gets there isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each athlete trains differently, depending on their event and strengths.

“We’re just trying to figure out their strong suits and work toward those,” Klebolt said. “That’s what helps us move forward, especially when it comes to postseason goals.” 

This approach is already paying off. The team finished second at the Lindbergh meet, and there have already been several athletes making a push for the top 10 records in school history. From sprint times in the 100 and 200 to strong relays and distance efforts, South is putting together an impressive season based off of the results from the past year. 

“Success hasn’t come without challenges-one of the biggest is building chemistry across different event groups,” said Klebolt.

Track isn’t like most sports. Athletes train separately and compete at different times. A thrower’s routine looks nothing like a sprinter’s, yet they’re expected to come together as one team.  

“It’s always a challenge,” Klebolt said, “but we encourage everyone to support each other. At the end of the day, we’re one team.”

That idea shows up clearly in the athletes themselves.

For junior Sophia Johnson, a javelin thrower, track wasn’t always the plan. She started in cross country but quickly realized distance running wasn’t for her. When she joined track, she found something that fit.

Now in her third year, Johnson has a personal best of 17 meters in Javelin. Her training includes daily weight room sessions, focusing on full-body strength, because throwing is more than just arm strength. 

Still, Johnson believes the hardest part isn’t physical.

“It’s the steps,” Johnson said. “You have to get the rhythm right in your run-up. Your arms can only do so much—you need that momentum.”

Even with the technical challenges, Johnson said she stays motivated because of the people around her.

“You’ve got your team keeping you accountable,” Johnson said. “And it’s just a really good environment. It makes you want to be there.”

That environment carries over to the sprinters.

Sophomore Maria Nicoletti, who competes in the 100- and 200-meter dashes along with relay events, knows how small details can make a big difference. In races that last just seconds, the start is everything.

“The acceleration part is the hardest to improve,” Nicoletti said. “You have to get out strong and hold that speed.”

Nicoletti has already run a 12.86 in the 100-meter dash, which makes her the second-fastest sprinter South has seen. A time that reflects her progress, but like most sprinters, she’s always working to improve.

Before races, Nicoletti says her focus is simply calm and grounded. Nicoletti said she believes the team is her biggest motivation when workouts get tough.

“My teammates,” Nicoletti said. “That’s what keeps me going.”

In high jump, the challenge shifts from speed to mindset.

Sophomore Savannah Swinton, who began high jumping in seventh grade, the highest she has already cleared is 1.62 meters (5’3”) this season making her the second-best jumper in South’s history. For her, the biggest obstacle isn’t physical—it’s mental. By only being a quarter of an inch away from the record.

“The hardest part is looking at the bar and believing you can get over it,” Swinton said.

Swinton’s approach is built on confidence and repetition.

“If I give my best effort, I know I can clear it,” Swinton said.

That mindset helped her reach a personal record earlier this season, which Swinton said is one of her favorite moments so far. Now, her goal is even bigger–breaking the school record in high jump.

Across the team, athletes are chasing different goals. Faster times. Higher jumps. Longer throws. But they’re all part of the same experience—one that requires balancing practices, meets, and schoolwork.

Klebolt said he keeps that balance in perspective for all his athletes.

“You’re a student first,” Klebolt said. “We want you to try your best in both, but school comes first.”

As the season heads into its final stretch, South is in a strong position, according to Klebolt. There’s momentum, confidence, and a growing list of accomplishments, but what stands out most isn’t just the results—it’s the culture.

Ask Johnson to describe her experience in one word, and her answer says it all: “Rejuvenating.”

It’s not the typical word you hear in sports, but for this team, it fits.

For Johnson, that mindset has shaped how she approaches the rest of her season.

“Honestly, my goal for the rest of the season is just to have fun. I took it really seriously my freshman and sophomore year, but now I just want to enjoy being part of the team and make the most of it,” she said.