Excitement is off the charts on the track and field team at Riverton High School.

This season, more than ever before, participation is high, and the feelings of team oneness are more noticeable. These factors combine to make the job of head coach Chase Englestead a lot easier and more enjoyable. 

“Excitement is at an all-time high for this track season,” Englestead said. “Athletes from various sports have joined, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of school pride and camaraderie. In my 13 years of coaching, I've never experienced this level of enthusiasm.”

It helps to have a stable coaching staff in place. Englestead and his staff are committed to helping the athletes have the best experience possible. He is optimistic about the program’s growth and competitiveness. 

“After five challenging years of coaching staff consistency, we finally have stability,” he said. “We anticipate one of our best seasons in a while and expect to be highly competitive against all teams in the coming years. We have the talent to be very competitive this year. The key is to foster consistency and instill a belief in our athletes that they can compete at the highest level.”

Riverton has several talented, experienced athletes on the team. At pole vault, Gabi Fenn and Wyatt Barker are ones to watch. The high jump features Gavin Tricket, whom Englestead said “shows great promise.” Alex Metcalf is improving in the long jump, while Kylee Erving is one to watch in the sprint group among the girls. Englestead said he is optimistic about the chances his hurdles group has of winning some races. Dejan Richards and Landon Stout lead that event. Boys’ sprinters to keep an eye on include Tyler Warnick, Evan Burton and Derek Ratliff. Englestead said the sprinters “are a formidable force.”

Both the boys and girls teams have top-notch distance runners. 

“Our boys and girls are strong contenders, despite Utah's exceptional distance running scene,” he said. “Watch out for Melanie Anderson, Mya Oyler, Maggie Lund and Isabel Preston on the girls’ side, and Andrew Ludwig, Sam Ghiz and Corbin Randall on the boys’ side.”

In Region 2, Riverton goes up against Corner Canyon, Herriman, Mountain Ridge, Bingham and Copper Hills. These are daunting foes that pose some big challenges to the Riverton athletes. Englestead is eager to see what the team is made of and how much the boys and girls can improve throughout the season. The goal will be to qualify as many athletes as possible for the Class 6A state meet, which will be held at the end of the season, May 16–18 at Brigham Young University. 

With a bigger team than he has had at Riverton and with such a strong team bond, Englestead feels a deep appreciation for the chance to coach the Silverwolves. He enjoys watching the boys and girls get better at their craft and grow as people.

“I cherish seeing athletes develop a passion for hard work, witnessing their improvement and growing confidence, and observing the friendships formed through shared goals and challenges,” he said. λ