The Fountain Hills High School track and field team is back this year under the guidance of a new coach who brings decades of endurance training to the table, Nick Goodman.

The first track meet of the season for the Falcons is today, Feb. 27, at Saguaro High School starting at 3:30 p.m.

This is Goodman’s first high school coaching position, but he seems in high spirits heading into the 2019 season.

“This is my first year coaching high school track and field,” Goodman said. “However, I have been coaching endurance athletes for almost two decades, so I bring that knowledge and experience to the track and field program.”

With more and more athletes signing up every week for the sport, Goodman expects to have a total roster of 30 athletes.

Goodman’s goal is to make sure that the team has the basics of movement down because, as he says, “perfect form leads to great performance.”

“We have a young team so my goal is to teach each athlete the fundamental skills of movement that relate, not only to track and field, but other sports as well,” Goodman said. “Each athlete’s success depends on their own goals, so a big part of the program is teaching the students about the importance of goal setting and working to accomplish those goals.”

While there is plenty of new blood on the team this season, Goodman expects some FHHS veterans to be state contenders this year.

“Madison George is our pole vault starter this year,” Goodman said. “She is a senior and a strong candidate for a state championship in that event. She is a well-rounded athlete, just finishing the soccer season and will be competing in many other events besides pole vault. We have a few other athletes who have great potential for a state title in the next couple of years.”

Track will be on the road this entire season, with no home meets scheduled.