The Track and Field team offers a wide range of different and individualized events. Each event is tailored to everyone, giving them a place in a large community of athletes. Making every single event score count towards the conclusion of a meet. With a new season kicking off, junior distance runner Emma Lowther describes why she joined the team and how she prepares before every race.
“I joined because it was something I did in middle school, and I really enjoyed it. Someone who really inspired me was the past seniors who just graduated; they were really nice and encouraging to me for cross country and helped me lead in track,” Lowther said. “I prepare by just trusting my coaches, training, and consistently showing up to practice.”
Starting his journey, freshman Kolten Hashman begins his high school track and field experience. He addresses what he hopes to take on for this season.
“From track and field, I’m hoping to get better at running and grow closer to friends and fellow teammates,” Hashman said. “I’d like to see myself as a more developed runner and have made more friendships through any troubles I may face.”
Senior Gary Streval covers how he is preparing for the upcoming season as well, and the kind of impact he wants to have on his teammates.
“I’ve been practicing pretty consistently and trying to build up strength for shot and disc. I’m working on my form a lot, too, because the throwing technique matters just as much as power. I just want to come into the season already feeling ready,” Streval said. “I want to be the kind of teammate who works hard and hypes everyone up. Throwers have a pretty close group, and I wanted to bring good energy and support anyone who needs it.”
Once the season begins, opportunities open up to prepare the athletes to improve their skills. Lowther explores her events and looks into any personal records she hopes to achieve this year.
“The 1600 meters is by far my event. I like that it’s not really short, so if you mess up, you still have time to recover. I just feel like I’m pretty good at it, and I can improve, and I just feel like that’s more towards me because I’m not really a short-distance person or a 2-mile person. I feel like that’s right in the middle,” Lowther said. “I hope to go under 5:10 for the mile, and hopefully, get under 2:25 for the 800 meters.”
Sophmore Joesph Day also shares his event details.
“My event is the 3200-meter run. I’m the best at this one because I’m more talented in longer, more drawn-out races, since I’m not great at short bursts of speed, but I have enough endurance to hold my own in this event,” Day said.
