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High School Track Team Aims to Defend Kanto League Championship
Story Number: NNS130412-07
4/12/2013

By Greg Mitchell, FLEACT, Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Nile C. Kinnick high school boys and girls track teams competed at a Yokota Air Base track and field meet held at Yokota High School on Bonk Field March 30.

The meet was the third of the season for Kinnick teams, with the season-opening meet held at Yokota Air Base, March 16.

The entire staff has high hopes for this years crop of athletes after last years finish, as both boys and girls teams finished the season as the 2012 Kanto League Champions.

"Right now the team is extremely chocked full of returnees, so we do want to improve on last years finish, which is going to be a tough goal," said Al Garrito, the high school track teams head coach. "I am mainly talking in terms of performance at the Far East tournament, where our boys were the champions and the girls finished fourth."

Featured events during the meet were races in 100, 200, and 400 meters; long distance races in the 800 and 1600 meters; long jump, high jump, shot put and discus.

Garrito said that the team's preparation prior to the beginning of the 2013 season has been the key to their solid start.

"The [team's] preparation has been awesome," said Garrito. "I'm really glad that I have a whole bunch of veterans that are leading the way."

Garrito thinks that his coaching staff and most importantly the support of the parents has been key contributions in the readiness of Kinnick's track and field program.

"The team is only as good as the assistant coaches, and the support of all the parents coming every year is great," said Garrito. "I think it is because the parents buy into what we're selling as coaches, which is self discipline and dedication, while also teaching responsibility to the kids."

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