This track and field season has been about more than just individual success for Oxford’s Chase Douglas. It has been about helping his team win, chasing school history and ending his high school career on a high note.
Douglas entered the season with clear goals in mind, particularly in the 4×100-meter relay and triple jump.
“My primary focus for this season was to make it to state for the 4×100 and triple jump and place to get a medal,” Douglas said. “I wanted to accomplish breaking our school record in the 4×100 and we did running a 43.99 while the previous record was 44.28 set in 1999.”
Breaking a record that had stood for more than two decades marked one of the biggest accomplishments of Douglas’ career and highlighted the progress the Oxford relay team has made this spring.
Douglas credits his versatility as one of his biggest strengths and something that benefits his team in multiple events throughout a meet.
“I would consider my strengths being I am a jack-of-all-trades type of guy,” Douglas said. “I kind of do a little bit of everything so whenever my coach needs points in a meet he’ll put me in a different event and I’ll place pretty good to make sure my team has a better chance of winning the track meet.”
That willingness to compete wherever needed has helped Douglas become one of Oxford’s most dependable athletes. Whether sprinting, jumping or contributing in relay events, he embraces the opportunity to help the Wildcats compete for team titles.
During the offseason, Douglas focused heavily on improving his explosiveness and technique, particularly in his starts and triple jump form.
“I wanted to work on my block starts and acceleration as well as my triple jump,” Douglas said. “For my block starts and acceleration I’m still working on it but I am feeling faster coming out of the blocks this season compared to last year.”
Douglas also sought outside training to elevate his triple jump performance.
“For my triple jump I am currently being trained by a WSU track athlete that does triple jump,” Douglas said. “He is a great coach and trainer and he has taught me a lot of things to help me get better throughout this season.”
The added work has already paid off. Douglas posted a personal record of 41 feet, 6 inches in the triple jump this season while continuing to contribute to Oxford’s relay success.
A successful season, in Douglas’ eyes, would include both personal and team accomplishments.
“A successful season would be me making it to state in triple jump and the 4×100 and winning our league and regional as well as breaking personal records that I’ve set for myself,” Douglas said. “Last year we fell short in league and lost by only two points but last year we won our regionals so I’m looking to go back-to-back to end off on a good high school career.”
