At Westwind Elementary and Willow Bend Elementary, P.E. coaches are inspiring students to discover a passion for running through their campus Running Clubs. Willow Bend P.E. Coach Elisa Gonzales opened the club to all fourth and fifth-grade students, while Westwind P.E. Coach Paul Phenix launched the school’s first Running Club this year.
The Running Clubs meet weekly on their campuses, where students learn to run distances and pace themselves. The main goal of the club is to teach students that running can be a lifetime sport as well as fun. Towards the end of the year, the clubs start to train for the annual Lubbock Area Elementary Championship Track Meet.
This year marked Willow Bend’s fourth year competing in the meet and Westwind’s first year participating. To earn a spot at the city meet, Running Club members competed in tryouts for the relay teams.
The meet, organized by Slaton ISD coach Scott Eberhard, was hosted in partnership with RunLBK and supported by the local community. Schools from Lubbock ISD, Lubbock-Cooper ISD, and surrounding areas joined Willow Bend and Westwind at the event.
Phenix explained that the city track meet was hot and challenging, but all students showed up and gave it their all. The students felt the emotions of performing on a team and the importance of supporting each other.
“Track gives students an opportunity to be great and benefit from all the hard work they’ve invested in themselves,” said Phenix. “I truly believe this is an avenue to build self-esteem and confidence.”
Gonzales explained that she views the city track meet as a valuable opportunity for students to experience the type of competition and teamwork they may encounter in middle school athletics. She went on to say that one of her favorite parts of the program was building relationships with students and watching their dedication throughout the year.
“I loved getting to know them as athletes outside of PE class,” said Gonzales. “We are so proud of all our runners and all the hard work they put in this program. At the meet, they really worked so hard, especially in the heat that day.”
All of the Frenship athletes raced hard at the Lubbock Area Elementary Championship Track Meet, showcasing their determination and teamwork throughout the event. The Willow Bend Elementary boys 4x100 relay team brought home a third-place medal after an intense race.
With plenty of hugs shared, tears shed, and voices lost from cheering on their teammates, Frenship’s elementary athletes walked away from the meet smiling, laughing, and feeling proud of the experience.
Congratulations, students!