The new head coach for the Woodstock High School boys track and field team brings a lot of practical experience to the sport.
As a personal trainer and the former manager of a gym, Robert Mickey is equipped with strategies for making fitter, stronger athletes.
“I emphasize stretching and mobility,” he said.
Teaching health and physical education for the past four years at WHS, Mickey has also coached and ran the weight room for football. His track experience goes back to high school when he was a sprinter, running the 100-meter and 200- events. He went on to play football in college, but reconnected with track, coaching high school track in Wisconsin.
Only one week into practice, Mickey hasn’t yet seen his team’s full potential, but he said, “We’re hoping to get some kids to state, and we’ll be competing for a conference championship.”
In the short time he and his team have been together, however, he has been able to get a feel for the spirit of the team.
“One of the best things we have is a great attitude,” he said.
Between his involvement with strength-and-conditioning class and coaching football, he said he’s done some recruiting for track and field. There are currently 51 boys on the roster.
The Streaks start out with two indoor meets. The first WHS boy’s track and field meet of the season will be the G. Egler Invite at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Sycamore High School, followed by the Nelson-Daniels Indoor at UW-Whitewater.