Balance key to track star’s success in sport, classroom
“We can manage if someone is missing because they are sick or something like that, but we’re at our very best when everyone has their priorities dialed and straight. I tell them you’re a student-athlete first. I can (train) the athlete part, but I can’t do your homework. Our team culture relies on you doing your best. In order to do that, the books got to come first.”
Paul Lyons, Manteca High track coach
By STEPHANY MEDINA
The Tower
The crowd is roaring and there is less than five feet from the finish line. Zyon McQuarters is about to finish her first race of the track season.
The Manteca High junior must overcome a variety of obstacles to be great, many of them away from the track. Among those obstacles is maintaining her grades in AP classes.
“We touch on it almost every practice,” Manteca High track coach Paul Lyons. “I try to reiterate to them that our team is only a good team when everyone is here. We can manage if someone is missing because they are sick or something like that, but we’re at our very best when everyone has their priorities dialed and straight.
“I tell them you’re a student-athlete first. I can (train) the athlete part, but I can’t do your homework. Our team culture relies on you doing your best. In order to do that, the books got to come first.”
AP classes make it difficult to balance personal time and academics. These courses are so demanding of high-achieving students, often requiring self-motivation. McQuarters’ current course load includes Pre-Calculus and AP English Language and Composition. She has already completed four years of Spanish and English Honors I and II.
She is able to beautifully balance the classes and track with a powerful sense of discipline.
“Juggling personal time and school activities is definitely a challenge,” she said, “but I try to prioritize and manage my schedule to maintain a balance. ... AP English has proven to be the most challenging class for me at Manteca High School, requiring extra effort and focus.”
Carol Kemper, Zyon’s former geometry teacher, can attest to her strong work ethic.
“She is a very focused young lady who understands the importance of good grades and has a good work ethic,” Kemper said. “She understands with good hard work comes good grades.”
McQuarter's aura shines so brightly when she enters a room; she is such a delightful person. She is a kind soul, who is incredibly determined.
The Tower conducted an interview with Mcquarters, discussing her passion for track, her future goals, and her top options for college.
Manteca High junior Zyon McQuarters completes her Pre-Calculus homework on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. McQuarters is a student-athlete who competes in track and field while carrying a heavy course load. (Nora Hystad/The Tower.
The Tower: Who inspired you to be a part of the track team?
Zyon McQuarters: My older sister's achievements on the track team at Sierra High School inspired me to join and pursue my passion for running.
TT: Do you plan on running track in college?
ZM: I’m considering running track in college, as it has become a significant part of my high school experience.
TT: What college do you want to attend?
ZM: I'm still exploring college options, but I'm looking at schools with strong track programs and academic opportunities.
TT: Which track coach has inspired you the most?
ZM: Coach (Paul) Lyons, our dedicated track coach at Manteca High School, has been a tremendous source of inspiration and guidance for me.
TT: Have you broken any records in track? If not, is there any record you hope to break?
ZM: While I haven't broken any records yet, I aspire to break a school record one day whether it be in college or high school.
TT: Do you feel that there is a strong bond within the track team? Why?
ZM: Yes, there's a strong bond within the track team; we share a common goal, support each other through challenges, and celebrate victories together.