At a program known for its size and steady presence in Upper Cumberland athletics, Cookeville High School track and field is leaning into discovering their collective talents this season.
With an influx of new athletes joining the Cookeville Cavaliers, head coach Scott Cook said he has embraced a flexible, evaluation-driven approach, one that prioritizes finding the right fit for each competitor while building a deeper, more competitive roster.
“We kind of let the kids pick where they want to go at first,” Cook said. “Then we’re evaluating them, they’re like hey, looks like you might be pretty good at this so let’s try this, and so we’re just quickly moving these athletes to find where we can really showcase their athletic ability the best.”
Cook said that process is still unfolding, but it is already producing growth.
Cook said for many athletes, especially newcomers, this season has meant stepping into unfamiliar territory, whether that is the long jump pit, the throwing circle, or a new lane on the track. Cook said with each attempt comes visible progress.
“If you’re coming out and doing an event like long jump you’ve never really done before and every time you do it you’re getting a little better at it,” Cook said. “[Everyone sees] a lot more improvement on those events right there.”
Cook said that steady improvement is feeding into a larger culture shift, one built on internal competition and energy. With a roster large enough to field athletes across nearly every event, Cookeville has turned depth into motivation.
“We can run everybody,” Cook said. “That creates a really, pretty exciting environment, pretty exciting atmosphere and so then that creates this desire and drive to compete because not only are they competing against all the other athletes from all the other teams that are there, but they’re also competing against the same athletes from the other team that are also working for these other spots.”
As the season continues, Cook said he hopes for this team to be remembered for their attitude and how they line up to compete. For a team still discovering where each athlete fits, that identity may end up being its strongest finish.
