Track and Field is starting up for the dons at Santa Barbara High School. This year is looking very good for SBHS with lots of talented and hard-working athletes. Some of these include Davis Flanagin (who is committed to New York University for Track and Field), Andreas Dybdahl, Blaise Snow, Drew Delozier, Mackenna Show, Annie Knecht and Gianna Stump. A trait that all of these athletes have in common is their dedication to trying their best in whatever event they are competing in.

Head coach Olivia Perdices is a successful leader of this Track and Field program. She feels very confident about the team this year. “The team has more depth than we’ve had in a while, and some strong performers coming back as well as some rookies I’m really excited about,” Perdices says. 

Senior captain Davis Flanagin has made a very big impact on this sport as a Don. Flanagin medaled in CIF Division 2 in both the long jump and triple jump last season and is ready to improve on those marks. He is committed to NYU for Track and Field, but is mainly focused on his academics, with the additional gift of being able to play the sport he enjoys. As a captain, Flanagin does not like to be strict or make track a stressful experience. “I like to act as a role model and help other athletes as much as possible. I’m not going to be the one yelling at them and enforcing rules all the time,” says Flanagin.

There are many additional leaders that encourage everyone to try their best and work their hardest. Andreas Dybdahl and Blaise Snow had solid performances in the 1600 meter run at CIF as sophomores. Drew DeLozier had an exceptional season for the boys distance crew, coming into his senior year with two CIF appearances in the 800 meter run. Mackenna Show comes into her junior year with CIF appearances in the 400 meter run and relays the last two years. Senior Gianna Stump and sophomore Krystal Valdez also qualified for CIF last season and picked up some valuable big track meet experience. 

This year the Dons have their first “normal” year in the new Peabody Stadium and on the Cunningham Track. Coach Perdices sees great potential in her team this year and is looking forward to the new competition that awaits them. Perdices says, “We’re back to the traditional Channel League with he Ventura and Oxnard schools and that brings a really different level of competition, depth and intensity to every meet.” That means there is more competition, because there are more athletes looking to compete at a high level, but Perdices believes the Dons are ready for this challenge. “If you do the work you’ll find success at whatever level that means for you and you get a chance to contribute to something bigger than you are,” says Perdices.

New York University commit Davis Flanagin jumping over the competition. [Image Credit: James Sanchez]