DSHS Track and Field Philosophy: Our philosophy is based on the following three principles: Improvement, Commitment and Excellence.
It is our goal to help develop the love of running/fitness and of healthy competition in our athletes by emphasizing the importance of personal growth and improvement, commitment to one’s self, to one’s team and to one’s society, and always striving for excellence by setting goals and developing a strong work ethic.
Our team awards at the end of the season, voted on by the athletes, reflect and celebrate these principles.
Improvement Award
This award recognizes an athlete who has shown significant improvement in his/her event(s) from at least, the end of last season to the end
of this season. An athlete could show his/he improvement in the form of faster times, higher jumps, longer jumps, greater distance. It is
recognized that improvement comes from hard work, dedication and a willingness to take positive risks.
Commitment Award
This award recognizes an athlete who has demonstrated commitment to his/her own progress as well as to the success of our team. This
individual could show his/her commitment in the form of work ethic, team spirit, teamwork, cooperation, attendance as well as numerous
other facets.
Excellence Award
This award recognizes an athlete who has demonstrated excellence in the sport of Track and Field. This individual continually strives for,
and reaches, excellence by setting goals and working hard. He/she has placed high in dual, league championships and other competitions.
He/she is a talented athlete who has produced results that continue to propel the competitive success of our team.
Our team awards at the end of the season, voted on by the coaches, also reflects and celebrates the principles of our philosophy.
The Tom Powers Award
Coach Powers has been a strong influence in the Track and Field program at DSHS for 17 seasons. His ability to bring forth success,
admiration and respect is never failing. His willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done, and done well, is reflected on a
daily basis from raking long jump pits, to locating misplaced equipment, coaching athletes in all 16 events, collaborating with his coaching
partners, driving vans, advocating for athletes as well as the program behind the scenes, spending countless hours at meets, planning
practices, and recording stats, and much more. His "just suck it up and do it" mentality provides an example for all of us of how to obtain
the next level of improvement, commitment and excellence whether it be on the track, in the field, or in life. This award recognizes an
athlete who possesses and demonstrates this same mentality and who will continue to inspire those around him/her for years to come.
COACHES’ AWARD
This award recognizes athletes who have demonstrated (in addition to improvement, commitment, and excellence) strong leadership, positive role modeling and continuous support for the team. These athletes are deemed vital to the team, the coaches, and the improvement of our program. This award is not given every year, but rather only as the coaches notice athletes who exceed our expectations and earn the recognition.