In the spring of 2022, the Portsmouth Boys track team had rallied to be in the conversation for the state championship. Coach Lyford thought they would either win by a few points or lose by a few points. However, Portsmouth had an astonishing 38 ½ point win. Portsmouth Boys track has worked all Spring of 2023 to defend their title. 

Coach Lyford, a math teacher at Portsmouth High School and head coach of Portsmouth track, says the keys to last year’s success were three things: the Elite athletes, the phenomenal and elite coaches, and the team’s family vibe. 

According to Lyford, the school had some of the best athletes that the school has ever seen. The coaches were so engaged in the team and gave it their all, all the time. Then the team was not just a team; it was one big family that just wanted to be together all the time. 

Coach Lyford’s most significant challenges when coming into the new year were the turnover of the kids and the requirement of people to step up. He also had to recognize talent quickly and put people in the right places.

Lyford said it was “One of the worst places to be”  about the expectations and pressure of being the defending champions. He puts more pressure on himself than anyone else. 

Lyford talks to team members as individuals which keeps the team motivated and focused. He makes it a goal to be having a personal relationship with the team.

Lyford describes his relationship with the team as, “A partnership more than a dictatorship.”

According to Lyford, the whole season is practice for the big race. A win or loss in a smaller meet means nothing compared to the championship race.  

The team was ready for the championship and feeling good. The pressure was on the teams expected to win, Bedford and Pinkerton. 

“I think it starts with us, we need to do the best we can so whatever the outcome is we can be happy with the result,” said Jake Haley, PHS senior, and captain of the track team and Brown university track commit. 

“I have enjoyed all my years under Coach Lyford, I think he really knows how to coach and put people where they need to be. He is the reason why we won last year and the reason we have had success this year despite losing some top athletes,” Avery Crowell, PHS senior and captain of the track team, said when he asked how he felt about Coach Lyford.

After this interview was complete, the boy’s track team took on the championship meet. The boys ended their successful season placing fifth place.

 If anyone is interested in the track team reach out to Coach Lyford at: [email protected].