Going into the 2012 season, the boys track team was ranked first in the pre-season polls. Just two meets into the season, the team was handed its first loss at the Crown Point and Lake Central Meet that took place at Crown Point High School.

“The coaches knew from day one its either we lose focus and drop the top seed or we fight to keep it,” senior shot putter Joey Little said.

Most teams would take this as a major setback, and view all the goals of the season as out of reach.

“Personally I’m glad we are not number one anymore,” Little said. “I think some kids lost focus on team goals.”

Little believes that it is important now more than ever to focus on what the team’s goals are so they can accomplish what they are capable of this year.

“We need to focus on our goal, conference champs. We were only a few points away last year and we have most of the talent back on the team,” Little said.

The team is more than capable of accomplishing this goal, after having an impressive indoor season and returning a large amount of the team from last year. The important thing for the Indians is to continue their hard work.

“If the kids put the work in every day and we keep kids healthy there isn’t anyone better than us,” Little said.

Regardless of rank, the team hopes to continue working hard into the postseason.Little thinks this will be better off for the team to accomplish its postseason goals.

“By not being number one it gives the kids something to fight for. In track its not your record that considers you a champ, it depends on who shows up at the conference meet and I know our kids will be ready come that time,” Little said.