High Point track and field captains lead the way

Whether they say in it public or keep it for talks behind locker room doors, it’s not uncommon for a coach to state that his or her team lacks proper leadership on the roster.
Let’s safely say that this isn’t a concern for the High Point High School track and field program (boy’s and girl’s teams). The Wildcats feature six captains on their roster this spring Ashley Dixon, Matt Dragon, Ryder Fox, Raekae Millan, Madison Mueller and Tyra Wingle. All six leaders are also members of the senior class.
“These particular seniors have been in the program since the start of my head coaching career," High Point head coach William Cosentino said. “They each bring a different element of knowledge, experience and leadership to our program. They understand my expectations for the team, and continue to get better individually each and every time they compete. It is because of their commitment and dedication that we are having such a successful season this year.
“Tyra and Ashley were both a part of the 4 by 400 meter relay that took first place in Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Small Schools. Tyra also finished second in the high jump and long jump at NJACs, Madison placed fourth at NJACs for shot put. The others continue to compete at a high level and achieve personal records in their respective events."
Coach Cosentino has witnessed noticeable improvements by the six captains throughout the course of this season.
“Collectively they all work well together," Cosentino said. “They take control of running warm-ups and make sure that the other athletes in their main events are working to get better each and every practice. I consider these captains to be an extension of my coaching staff. It also helps that they are extremely athletic and score points in just about every event they compete in.
“Each one of them pushes those around them to be great. They constantly work on the little things to improve at their event. They take time out of their own workout to instruct, correct and motivate the young athletes to be better as well. This is part of the reason why I have so many underclassmen competing and scoring points at the varsity level."
Wingle, a longtime fan of running and jumping events was encouraged by her middle school track coach to join the team, which she did in eighth grade.
“I would consider myself physically very strong and when it comes to jumping events that is an important component to be successful," Wingle said. “I also am very motivated to win and succeed, so I am constantly pushing myself to learn and better my technique.
“As a three-sport athlete, I am very driven to win all the time. When I lose or don't place first I get very hard on myself. I think I can improve on my attitude when I fail because in the end, if I give it my all and did the best I possibly could for the team, that's most important. Some of my personal goals this season are to break the high jump school record and the 4x100 relay school record, and to also make it back to MOC's. However, my overall goal is to just enjoy my last season and take it all in because it really is going by fast.’’
Wingle mentioned coach Cosentino as being a major influence on her career.
“My biggest influence however is my Mom," Wingle said. “She will sit in the pouring rain and freezing temperatures to watch my meet, while all others parents are waiting in their cars. She has been my shoulder to cry on after a rough and unsuccessful meet and my arms to run into after an amazing day. She is my biggest supporter always and I strive every day to make her proud."
Millan has been competing in the spring of 2012, as a fifth grader.
“What originally attracted me to this sport was the natural talent I had at so many events and my love for running," Millan said. “I love the fact that it is an individual sport just as much as it is a team sport. My middle school coaches always had so much belief in me, in everything I did. So being one of their athletes pushed me to join this sport. Some of my strengths as a track and field athlete are far more than just on the track. I am very active in the gym all year round playing multiple sports, and lifting weights getting better, faster and stronger.
“Some of the aspects of the sport that I would like to improve upon are the timing of each event. I wish it was possible to pick the order of events to my liking so that I perform to the best of my ability on that day without running out of energy, or being over pushed."
To be sure, Millan had several personal and team wide goals going into this season. He’s had some great influences on his career as well.
“My major positive influence in my career has been a select few people," Millan said. “First my head coach Mr. William Cosentino, he has truly made me into the track athlete that I am today by pushing me to try new events and to perform to my best ability always. Second, my best friend, and teammate, Tyra Wingle. Tyra is similar to me where she has such a natural talent for so many events and performs so well in each and every one of them. By her doing that, it has influenced me to work just as hard, if not harder to accomplish everything that she does. Third, I would say, my ex-track coach, Stephanie Peterson, she is the reason I have the love for hurdles and high jump that I do. Having her as a track role model to look up to was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. Lastly and most importantly my parents. They are my number one fans and biggest supporters that I ever will and have had in my life."
Mueller started as a competitor just a few years ago, as a sophomore.
“I was originally attracted to the sport because of some friends I had that participated in the program," Mueller said. “My peers talked about how much fun they had on the team and how I could be successful in the program. I also never knew that there were other events to compete in other than running events. I am no runner, so learning about various throwing/field events was very attractive to me.
“I am very committed to my team. I may not be the most athletic or impressive athlete but I work my hardest to perform well for the team. I am encouraging to my fellow teammates and lead others well. I would love to improve my technical skill. I want to dedicate more of my time outside of practice to learn the technique of throwing the javelin and shot put.’’
Student athletes who have since graduated are among the important influences on Mueller’s athletic career.
“The most positive influences in my track career have been my previous captains, Brooke Martin and Zenya Yanoff," Mueller said. “I aimed to be as successful and supportive of their teammates as they were. My coaches, Mr. Cosentino, Mr. Dutko, and Mr. Smith have encouraged me to perform as best as I can and gave me unforgettable guidance which I will always appreciate. Not to mention, my mother and father have influenced me to work hard and be proud of my accomplishments. I am thankful for all the people who have helped me along the way."