“The kids there want to work hard. This is one of the best years we've had in a long time,” Apollo-Ridge Track Coach Larry Lizik says. “Attitude-wise, we are a very disciplined team. They all work hard. They have upped their personal bests. We've even been complimented on the team we have by other coaches. I'd coach for a hundred years with the track team we have.” Lizik is in his first year of that possible century of coaching Viking track, but he brings to the table several years of coaching in other responsibilities.

Participation in Apollo-Ridge track had been low, but is beginning to show a slight rise. Lizik credits his seniors as a partial explanation for the increase. He says, “I think that is the reason we have the numbers back up. They are all outstanding and great leaders, and it rubs off on the other kids.” Even the girls’ team, which in large part owes its poor record to not enough members to fill spots, has seen some sparks of life.