Website Manager

Come join the fun...we throw, jump & run!

News Detail

27

Feb, 2018

What can Summer Track do for you?

My name is Austin Zirkel, I am a senior at Medina High School and I recently committed to run track and cross country at Sam Houston State University, which is an accredited Division 1 college located in Huntsville, Texas. In May 2014 I made the decision to join the newly-founded summer track team, the Hill Country Comets. As an athlete going into high school, I wanted to be successful, whether it be on the track or on the course, and I thought that by joining a track team I could become better. I didn't realize it then, but that decision helped me in more ways than I can count.

The first thing I noticed was the intensity of the workouts compared to my junior high workouts. My junior high workouts were equivalent to the Comets’ warmup, which I soon realized would be beneficial in many ways. The time spent on warmup and recovery meant that my muscles would be better prepared for the workouts, and that I could push harder during them. The coach’s knowledge of each event made them able to zone-in on each specific athlete and their needs. The variety of workouts and exercises gave me a better background and knowledge of how track works, and even how the body works and reacts to certain workouts.

The second thing that I enjoy about the Comets is the different events that I was able to experience. I have been able to run a wide range of races, such as the 800m, 3200m and even the 5000m in Cross Country. My favorite race is the Steeplechase, which is a distance race on the track with barrier jumps and even a water jump. From a college coaches experience, the more events you are competitive in, the better you look to them because they are able to use you for different events in college. I was actually recruited to Sam Houston mainly for my steeplechase times and experience, which is hugely beneficial in college. I would have never even considered steeplechase if it wasn't for Coach Stefan recommending it for me. Coach Stefan was able to help me train using hurdles and practicing jumping, which benefited me so much, and I absolutely loved it.

The third thing that Hill Country Comets has given me is the confidence needed for success, on and off the track. Coming into the Hill Country Comets, I was about to start my freshman year of high school. As a junior higher, I never won a race in cross country or track, and I just wasn’t prepared for high school athletics. By running summer track, I was given the opportunity to go to big track meets and experience the atmosphere of a big-time race. Slowly, I grew more and more confident in myself and my running abilities. This confidence transitioned into my high school cross country season, and I was even able to make it to state my freshman year!

Hill Country Comets has given me the knowledge, experience, and confidence that has sustained my success. As of February 2018, I am a Two-Time Cross Country State Champion, even holding the record for 1A. I am a 6-Time State Medalist, and an 11-Time State Finalist. I am a Two-Time SteepleChase National Medalist, and a Cross Country All-American. I accredit this success to my experiences with the Comets and the coaching I have received from them. So, if you want to experience success and have a fun time while doing it, Hill Country Comets is for you!


Contact

Hill Country Comets

129 Saddle Horn 
Boerne, Texas 78006

Email: [email protected]

Contact Us

Hill Country Comets

129 Saddle Horn 
Boerne, Texas 78006

Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2024 Hill Country Comets Track Club  |  Privacy Statement |  Terms Of Use |  License Agreement |  Children's Privacy Policy  Log In