Preseason Interview - Pinecrest Men’s Track

Preseason Interview -- Pinecrest Men’s Track

The Patriots were set to take to the track tonight at home for the first SAC meet of the season, but it was cancelled. Before the Patriots were to start their season, we spoke with coach Mario Kiser about the upcoming season. Last season the Men’s and Women’s track team at Pinecrest placed first in the conference, something both teams look to accomplish again this season. As a whole, the Patriots had seven 1st place finishes last season.

“Practices went well during the winter. We have a great group of guys that likes to work hard without any complaints. They really like to encourage and motivate each other to do well,” said Kiser. “Tryouts were great. We had a large number of kids to come out and that means a lot. We’re always excited to know that there’s a lot of interest in the program.”

This year Pinecrest will host regionals and they hope not only to win a conference title but to have several athletes compete.

“The morale is great! We’re one big family. We know when we need to buckle down and work hard, but we always know how to have fun at the same time. It’s all smiles over here,” said Kiser. “We have a great group of seniors that have gone through the program that I can count on to help lead the new guys. We also have some under classmen that have competed well in the indoor season. I’m really excited to see everyone out on the oval this season.”

Kiser and the Patriots will look to seniors Isaac Carter and Connor Cuthrell to step up as leaders this season. “They have been really big leaders in our distance program. They are great athletes that really motivates other to follow suit,” said Kiser. “They’re Seniors in the program so they know what it takes to be a part of a running program. They know that every race will not be perfect, but with continued dedication to the sport, the overall end result will be rewarding.”

The Men’s and Women’s meet schedule is as follows:

Feb 26 SAC Meet # 1 HOME Southern Lee 5:00 pm CANCELLED

Mar 7 SAC Meet # 2 @ Home, Lee Co. 5:00 pm

Mar 9 Mid-South SAC Relays HOME Time TBD

Mar 14 SAC Meet # 3 @ Scotland Co. Pinecrest, Union Pines, 5 pm

Mar 20 SAC Meet # 4 HOME Union Pines 5:00 pm

Apr 4 SAC Meet # 5 @ Southern Lee, Pinecrest, 5:00pm

Union Pines Viking Relays, @ UPHS, 9 am

Apr 10 SAC Meet #6 HOME, Richmond Co., Hoke Co. 5 pm

Apr 18 SAC Meet # 7 @ Hoke Co., Pinecrest, 5:00pm

Apr 20 Apex Relays, Apex HS, 9 am

Apr 26 SAC Conference Championship, HOME

May 4 NC Runners Meet, HOME

May 11 4A Mid-East Regional Meet, HOME, 9 am

May 17 4A State Championship Meet @ NC A&T, 9 am