Mustangs girls’ track and field take to the oval for the first of two times this week at the Northwest Girls Invitational.

DCG last competed at the Johnston quad five days ago, where they placed multiple girls on the podium. Leighton Stanford was the highest-placing athlete and the lone silver medalist at the Dragons. While individual success remains a goal, with multiple meets clumped together early on in the year, coaches prioritize the health and longevity of the athletes.

Early on in this season, head strength and conditioning coach and head track coach Jordan Sump emphasizes the health of his athletes. While the group still competes to do its best in each event, Sump says, “We want to be our fastest come May.” Everyone on the team wants to win, but the emphasis remains on being the best they can be late in the year. This is important for both fans and competitors alike to keep in mind when looking at the times after the meet. 

With sights set on the Drake Relays, conference meets, and the state championship in a month and a half, the girls continue to build momentum at 3:45 from Northwest High School.