Valley Center senior Nathan Webb set clear goals heading into the track season — and he has already checked off several of them while continuing to build his role as a leader for the Hornets.
“My primary focus this season was improving my 800m personal record to at least 1:53, which I did at El Dorado,” Webb said. “I also wanted to accomplish a 48-second 400m. I have done this but only in the 4x400m so it doesn’t really count.”
Webb has delivered on both the track and in the team standings, emerging as one of Valley Center’s top distance runners while also taking on increased leadership responsibilities. So far this season, he has posted a personal-best 1:53 in the 800 meters and improved his 400 time to 50.7. He also holds two school records and one meet record this year and currently ranks second in the state in the 800.
Beyond individual success, Webb said his impact is defined just as much by energy and support for his teammates.
“I would say my strength is encouragement,” he said. “I encourage my teammates during meets and practice. This positivity creates a mood that lifts the morals of my fellow athletes.”
This season, Webb also focused on becoming a stronger leader within the program, recognizing the influence he has on younger runners.
“Some things I wanted to work on this season is my leadership,” Webb said. “I have a lot of influence on the team which can be a good or bad thing depending on how I act. So I have decided to be on my ‘best behavior’ whilst also trying to still have fun with my friends and coaches.”
He said he worked on that growth in the offseason through leadership roles in scouting and community service, including earning a leadership position in his Boy Scout troop and leading an Eagle Scout project building a blessing box.
Looking at the bigger picture, Webb said team success would be measured by depth and qualification at the state level.
“Success for my team looks like a majority of the juniors and seniors and some experienced freshmen and sophomores making it to state,” he said. “We also have a chance of winning league and that is super exciting.”
