I'm a former team member who loves the sport of track and field. I played just about every sport while growing up and was succesful. I was starting quarterback in High School. I Played baseball, volleyball and other sports. Something about Track and Field caught my attention in a way the other couldn't never accomplish. You see Track and Field, in my experience, is the purest sport form. Running, jumping and throwing go back thousands of years. It can't be compared to other sports. You have to be in track world to understand. It takes a lot of dedication to do what we do, and the rewards are for the most part instrinsic. So, actually, I don't understand the fuss. Personally, I don't compete for recognition. Yes, I like to perform for others to see what power the human body can exert, and how people awe at seeing someone put out everthing they have to give at one moment in time... The true recognition comes in conquering your own fears, and accomplishing your own goals.
Others have a point when they say we fail to have many "home contests" You have to understand, the majority, I'm saying 90% of collegiate track teams in this country travel to compete. Most meets are Invitationals which attract numerous athletes from a high number of schools. We only have 1 meet at home, the Spring Classic in April. However, buses are taking fans to see both Indoor and Outdoor Championships. As far as recruiting, the answer is no, we don't have all the talent locally. Perhaps, in a few distance events. If you understand track..You have hurdles, sprints, middle distance, jumps, pole vault, throwing events and multi-events. I only know of less than 20 total local athletes who are impressive in only a few of these events areas. Get you facts straight! and Puerto Rico is a US territory...
Coach Vives is a nationally recognized coach who has built a successful program - POINT BLANK..
Yes, we are in a world of our own at times..but I think that's what makes our sport so great. You have to have the desire from within....All other sports are a game..You WIN OR LOSE..However, track, also known as "ATHLETICS", is a pure sport due to it's instant measurable results....No depending on another player, except in relay...How did Michael Jordan feel for the early years of his career scoring so many points, but his team was garbage??? In our sport it's just you...
But it has to be experienced to be understood. Pardon my bad English grammar. For those who particiapte, we have all the rewards we want and recognition from within. Should I really care about someone who doesn't understand my sport? Put it this way, it's EASY to play basketball, football and baseball..but I've seen countless "non-athletic" people, who are tall or just talk a lot play these sports in both high school and college...In track it's very visible who's talented and who's not, and on a Division I team, there are very few poor track athletes. My favorite quote is from Armory Track.com
What Makes a Man Run?
People can't understand why a man runs. They don't see any sport in it. Argue it lacks the sight and thrill of body contact.
Yet, the conflict is there, more raw and challenging than any man versus man competition.
For in running it is man against himself, the cruelest of opponents.
The other runners are not the real enemies. His adversary lies within him, in his ability, with brain and heart to master himself and his emotions.
- Glenn Cunningham
The UALbany Track team has some of the finest all-around athletes you'll get a chance to see, and we always come through, when it's all on the line.....
GO GREAT DANES!!!