Syracuse.com’s 2025-26 winter media day indoor track coach poll: Biggest motivator of tired teammates?

Syracuse, N.Y. — When it comes to track and field practices or meets, there’s always that one person who hypes everyone up or leads by example.

At Syracuse.com’s winter sports media day, we asked indoor track coaches which of their athletes is the biggest motivator at practice when their teammates are tired.

Here are their responses:

Boys

Atticus Garland , Auburn

“He’s kind of like a silent leader, so he’s always going to be leading the way.” — John Oliver

Kole Otts , Canastota

“He’s a kid that’s going to always be hyped. He’s always ready for practice. He’s always the last person at practice, and his performance speaks for itself. He’s going to outshine everybody.” — Tabitha White

Everett Cox , Cato-Meridian

“He’s always hyping everybody up. He’s just being a great motivator.”