For Tarleton State Track and Field, success didn’t begin when the records were broken. It started months earlier, during offseason workouts, early-morning practices and a commitment to doing the small things right.
Under head track and field and cross country coach Bobby Carter, the program has built its identity around discipline, accountability and elite habits, standards that don’t change.
From the start of the season, Carter made expectations clear. Talent alone wouldn’t define the team. Consistency and effort would.
“We set the standard early, elite habits every day. Show up prepared, compete in everything you do, and hold yourself and your teammates accountable. Talent isn’t enough at this level, discipline and consistency are nonnegotiable in our program,” Carter said.
That mentality shaped the team long before competition began. Every workout had intention, and every rep contributed to the bigger picture.
“Our offseason laid the foundation. We trained with purpose, attacked weaknesses, and built a level of physical and mental toughness that’s showing up now. What you’re seeing is a direct result of months of intentional work,” he said.
When competition arrived, the results reflected. Multiple athletes delivered strong performances, and several school records fell. For Carter, those moments weren’t just about numbers — they were about belief and trust in the process the team had followed since the beginning.
“It comes down to consistency and belief. Our athletes trust the process, and our staff has done a great job putting them in positions to succeed. When preparation meets confidence, you see results like this,” Carter said.
Two performances in particular highlighted the team’s growth and composure under pressure. In the pole vault, Jacob Thomas cleared 5.06 meters to place fourth, a mark that showed both technical improvement and confidence in competition.
In the hammer throw, Tayler Wessely delivered a throw of 61.45 meters, another example of the progress built through consistent training and attention to detail.
“There were two performances that stood out most for this meet. It was Tayler Wessley in the hammer and Jacob Thomas in the pole vault” Carter said. “These are the performances where I’ve seen the most growth so far—not just the marks, but the composure, execution, and confidence in the moment. That’s what tells me we’re building something sustainable.”
While individual performances helped define the meet, Carter believes the team’s connection is what makes this group different. The athletes compete for one another, push each other daily and hold each other accountable to the same standard.
“This group is connected. They compete for each other, they hold each other accountable, and they embrace the work. There’s a toughness and maturity about them that separates them,” he said.
Despite the recordbreaking success, the focus remains on what’s ahead. Carter emphasized that the program isn’t satisfied with early-season achievements. Instead, the goal is to continue improving and be prepared for championship opportunities later in the season.
“We’re not satisfied. Records are great, but our focus is on championships and being at our best when it counts. The standard doesn’t change—if anything, it gets higher. There’s still a lot more out there for this group,” Carter said.
For Tarleton State Track and Field, breaking records isn’t the finish line. It’s a reflection of a culture built on discipline, belief and elite habits.