By: Kyle Hofmann, Contributing Writer
For the first time in its history, the “no vacancy” sign will be on at Wofford’s track and field practices. Over the past two years, Johnny Bomar, head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams, has made significant strides to fill most events in a track meet. The Terriers started the 2013-2014 season with 35 athletes total for both teams. This season, the number has grown to 57 athletes.
The growth of the team has senior distance runner Alex Michaels energized.
“It’s massive. It’s crazy,” says Michaels. “I’ve never worked out with this big of a group of people, which helps tremendously. Being able to go on a run with more than just yourself, it helps you mentally, gets you out of bed in the morning and creates a team chemistry that can’t be beat.”
From 2013 to 2015, both teams received more scholarship money to give to recruits.
“We have 10 to 12 scholarship athletes on the women’s side, seven to eight on the men’s side” said Bomar. “Walk-ons are still welcome. We never shut the door on anybody.”
Since its inception, cross country and track have recruited 50 percent of their targets as walk-ons. In order to produce a competitive squad, walk-ons have been instrumental to that cause.
Key areas that have lacked depth in recent years are the field. Last season,the Terriers had only eight athletes in field events. These events were a focal point in recruiting this summer and in filling out the coaching staff.
“We have two assistant coaches now,” says Michaels. “One for the field events and one for distance.”
In the past, Bomar has coached both cross country and track teams by himself. Hiring event-specific assistants has impacted the recruiting pull to the school.
“Last year I was the only guy thrower,” says Gaston Hayworth, junior throwing captain. “We have five throwers, two pole vaulters, three jumpers on the men’s side alone.”
“We have two guys who will run the decathlon and three girls that will do the heptathlon,” adds Bomar.
With the additions to the field and sprinting events, relieved is the best way to describe current athletes’ moods.
“It feels great,” says Hayworth. “Last year I put so much pressure on myself to perform better and better and keep up with that.”
“Once you get past that seventh person, the level of competition heightens from person eight to person 13,” adds Michaels. “We’re hoping to beat more teams than we have in the past. We’ve got a young team.”
Along with having more people to compete, athletes will not have to compete in as many wide-ranging events as they have in the past.
“I had to run the 4×4 twice,” Hayworth says. “It was awful. I thought I was going to die.”
Expectations are high for the men’s and women’s teams according to Bomar, who is eager to get things started. “I’m excited. I think the sky is the limit for this team. I feel like a kid at Christmas with new toys I can’t open up yet.”