When Kamloops Track and Field Club (KTFC) athletes make the journey to Abbotsford this weekend for the B.C. Track and Field Championships, don’t be surprised if they make record time.

“We’re always looking for personal-best times,” said coach Jarett McLean during practice on Wednesday night at Hillside Stadium.

“As long as we do that, then we’ll let the medals fall where they may.”

Twelve KTFC competitors in youth, junior and senior categories will compete this weekend in what McLean has dubbed the most important meet of the year.

“There are a couple of athletes looking to make standard times that will get them on to provincial teams and allow them to attend nationals,” McLean said.

“We’ve been trying to keep our practices shorter and talk to them about the importance of the event,” McLean said.

“But I try not to let them get too nervous.”

Too nervous would not be a good thing; however, McLean did say a little bit of nervous energy can sometimes a provide much-needed adrenaline boost.

And, judging by McLean’s comments, it won’t just be the athletes who’ll have to formulate plans to harness that anxious energy.

“I’m probably just as nervous as the athletes, if not worse,” McLean said.

“They’re running with my program so a lot of what they do reflects back on me.

“When they do well, I’m happy for them. When they do poorly, I take blame for that, personally.”

One athlete who will have to perform at an optimum level to reach his goal this weekend is 15-year-old sprinter and hurdler Daniel Elke.

“I just want to set my personal best and go to nationals,” Elke said. “It’s doable and I think I can do it this weekend.

“It’s going to be fun.”

Elke and his teammates begin competition Friday night at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford.