High jump, hurdles and sprints – oh yes! In addition to supporting three middle and high school boys volleyball teams this spring, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is, for the first time, offering a track and field program!
“I am very excited to announce that Mount Madonna School will have a varsity boys and girls track and field team competing in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL),” announced Sidd McDonald, longtime athletic director of the Hawks’ program.
Fifteen athletes – or almost 25 percent of MMS high school students – have turned out for the team, which is being led by teachers Jenne Wood-Taylor, serving as track coach, and Sara Sobkoviak, serving as field events coach. MMS does not yet have a track or field on its campus, so coaches and team members are dividing their weekday practices between their own campus and Aptos High School.
“We are so grateful to Aptos High School for helping to support our team through the use of their wonderful facilities,” noted McDonald.
“The actualization of the MMS track and field team happened in response to a few students’ persistent appeals,” shared Wood-Taylor,” and so far the feedback is really positive. It’s exciting to see these young athletes engaged, working hard and pioneering this new program – and it’s a lot of fun to be coaching this enthusiastic group with Sara!”
Indoors and on the court, volleyball at Mount Madonna continues to be a huge attraction for a program that spans decades and includes league and section titles – including a girls DV state championship in 2007.
For the current season, faculty members Nate Rockhold, varsity, and Elliot “PK” McDonald (’04), junior varsity (JV) will coach the high school boys teams in SCCAL competition; while Sidd McDonald will coach the middle school Black team in Central Coast Athletic League (CCAL) play.
“This year we have a varsity team of really experienced athletes from all levels of our high school,” commented Rockhold. “Their energy, skill and level of commitment to, and respect for, the sport and each other is reflected from the top down. We’re off to a strong start and I expect good things this season.”
JV coach and incoming high school athletic director (fall 2016), PK McDonald, agreed:
“I look forward to working with the JV this season,” noted McDonald, “and helping them take their game to the next level. We have great talent and leadership from our upperclassmen and the atmosphere in the gym is focused and really positive. It’s a great time to be a Hawk!”