After a successful indoor season, full of new school records and national qualifiers, Whitworth University Track and Field is preparing to carry its momentum into the outdoor season. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished second at the Northwest Conference Championship last year, narrowly missing a title. As Whitworth prepares to host the conference meet, the Pirates are motivated to make the most of their home track advantage.
Devyn Chelin, who competes in javelin, hammer and weight throw, explained that the indoor season success demonstrated what the team is capable of when preparation meets purpose. “The number of indoor records and PRs that we had this year, so many people were able to set it because of the time and effort that they put in,” Chelin said, “It was super cool to see.”
Whitworth athletes posted numerous personal records throughout the indoor season and several qualified for nationals, which Chelin said is a sign the team’s hard work is paying off. The team has been practicing and preparing for competition since classes started in the fall.
One phrase the team consistently returns to, according to Chelin, comes from the head coach: expect nothing. “You can hope for the best for others and then take an even bigger step to help them reach their goals,” Chelin said, “Each day we need to push each other to be better.” Chelin described the Whitworth team culture as one where athletes compete not only against opponents, but against themselves, constantly chasing personal records and season bests.
In a sport with 21 different events ranging from distance races to throwing competitions, success often comes down to individual progress, adding up to team points. “It’s like you versus you,” Chelin explained, “Every throw or run, you are going against your PR. The work that you put in is kind of the results that you will get out.”
Moreover, Chelin described how their head coach Toby Schwarz instilled a team dynamic of iron sharpens iron, a key mentality that was evident during the indoor season as athletes were able to compete and get better together..
Carrying on that, Chelin emphasized the broader impact of Whitworth athletics, how shared experiences strengthen team culture and relationships. “Being part of something bigger than yourself allows you to have deeper relationships and lifelong friendships,” Chelin said, “I wholeheartedly believe any athlete on this campus would share the same sentiment.”
“… we have a conference at home this year,” Chelin said, “Being able to perform on our own turf and maybe get a conference championship is really exciting.”
While no outcome is guaranteed, Chelin said the combination of indoor success, pirate mentality, and the energy of competing at home has created a feeling of motivation within the program.
