This spring, the Perry Meridian track team will undergo a coaching change, as social studies teacher and girls head track coach Ryan Teverbaugh will become the head coach for both programs.

 The overall goal is to develop better athletes who are generally faster and stronger, with a long-term vision to see the spring sports program foster more athleticism for other sports as well.

In previous years, the girls track team has been extremely successful under Teverbaugh’s coaching, breaking school records in the 200 meter dash (2019) , 400 meter dash (2018), 1600 meter relay (2018) and discus throw (2018). The team as a whole has also performed at an elite level, placing fifth in the state in 2018, top 20 in 2019, and earning a conference championship in 2019.

By combining the two teams, the aim is to unite the program to become more consistently successful. 

“The success we have had in our girls program can transition to the boys program by fostering the same mindset and work culture,” Teverbaugh says. “Both teams can push each other to become better.” 

Teverbaugh wants to improve both teams by paying attention to details: enforcing the basics of the sport and discussing a deliberate strategy during competitions.

“My goal for the boys team is to become more competitive and foster an identity of practicing the fundamentals so that we can begin to compete at a high level,” Teverbaugh says. “Little steps that become longer, stronger strides in the future.”