Track and Field Sprints into the Season
Pioneer athletes begin the new, post-lockdown season with a positive attitude.
By Hannah Dudum
Pioneer athletes begin the new, post-lockdown season with a positive attitude.
By Hannah Dudum
The track and field season is one of many spring sports that began in January. All of the athletes and coaches are super excited to be beginning their season off to a good start.
Starting conditioning at the beginning of second semester, they had their first meet at Willow Glen High School for the Willow Glen Invitational on Feb. 5.
Since COVID-19 had everyone online last year, it was hard for all of the athletes to attend meets and practices in person. Bella Henkels, 10, was one of the runners who was on the team last year and had to adjust to the new way of practice.
“I did track in my freshman year. The team was small as COVID was more serious, which caused the meets to last a shorter amount of time than a regular year,” said Henkels.
Coach John Wright is glad to be having a normal season this year and believes the stay at home order prevented students from coming out and joining track.
“Two years ago, the only meet we got to go to was the Willow Glen Invitational. Shortly thereafter, all sports were canceled. Last year we got a modified season, but at least we all got out there. This season, there’s still some concerns, but we’re able to train more like we did three years ago. I think after sheltering for the better part of two years, lots of kids decided to come out for track this year so we have had 110 kids practicing,” said Wright.
Luckily this year, sports have mostly returned to normal and athletes can have a regular year. Athletes, like Kate Smyrniotis, 12, are thrilled that most of the COVID precautions have been lifted for this season.
“After seeing how everyone is doing even just at the start of the season, I think we’re in a great position to do well this season and I personally am just excited to start competing again,” said Smyrniotis.
Normal in-person meets can also make the runners feel more motivated and empowered. “Everyone is always cheering through the whole thing and there is so much adrenaline that it feels like you could run forever,” said Smyrniotis.
Returning athletes are happy to be back to meet new people and collaborate as a team, like Jeff Hedlund, 12.
“My teammates in the relay have all graduated so I’m excited to work with these new guys,” said Hedlund.
Hedlund is not the only one excited to help the newer athletes who are joining the team. Coach Laura Braun is having the more experienced students teach their skills and create more friendships.
“Our veteran athletes are honoring their skills and working to help us with the new athletes and getting them up to speed,” said Braun.
Andrea Ayala, 10, is a new member to track this year but is already running on varsity and she feels honored to be competing in so many events.
“It’s also my first ever year doing track for high school and I will be running for varsity which is kind of nerve wrecking. I am doing 800, 1600 and 4x4, but events vary throughout the season. I feel somewhat excited and nervous about them, since I have not done track ever I think the 4x4 will probably be my favorite,” said Ayala.
With the new athletes and normal season starting back up, the track and field team will be close to how it was three years ago.
“All in all it’s an amazing atmosphere,” said Hedlund.
Starting conditioning at the beginning of second semester, they had their first meet at Willow Glen High School for the Willow Glen Invitational on Feb. 5.
Since COVID-19 had everyone online last year, it was hard for all of the athletes to attend meets and practices in person. Bella Henkels, 10, was one of the runners who was on the team last year and had to adjust to the new way of practice.
“I did track in my freshman year. The team was small as COVID was more serious, which caused the meets to last a shorter amount of time than a regular year,” said Henkels.
Coach John Wright is glad to be having a normal season this year and believes the stay at home order prevented students from coming out and joining track.
“Two years ago, the only meet we got to go to was the Willow Glen Invitational. Shortly thereafter, all sports were canceled. Last year we got a modified season, but at least we all got out there. This season, there’s still some concerns, but we’re able to train more like we did three years ago. I think after sheltering for the better part of two years, lots of kids decided to come out for track this year so we have had 110 kids practicing,” said Wright.
Luckily this year, sports have mostly returned to normal and athletes can have a regular year. Athletes, like Kate Smyrniotis, 12, are thrilled that most of the COVID precautions have been lifted for this season.
“After seeing how everyone is doing even just at the start of the season, I think we’re in a great position to do well this season and I personally am just excited to start competing again,” said Smyrniotis.
Normal in-person meets can also make the runners feel more motivated and empowered. “Everyone is always cheering through the whole thing and there is so much adrenaline that it feels like you could run forever,” said Smyrniotis.
Returning athletes are happy to be back to meet new people and collaborate as a team, like Jeff Hedlund, 12.
“My teammates in the relay have all graduated so I’m excited to work with these new guys,” said Hedlund.
Hedlund is not the only one excited to help the newer athletes who are joining the team. Coach Laura Braun is having the more experienced students teach their skills and create more friendships.
“Our veteran athletes are honoring their skills and working to help us with the new athletes and getting them up to speed,” said Braun.
Andrea Ayala, 10, is a new member to track this year but is already running on varsity and she feels honored to be competing in so many events.
“It’s also my first ever year doing track for high school and I will be running for varsity which is kind of nerve wrecking. I am doing 800, 1600 and 4x4, but events vary throughout the season. I feel somewhat excited and nervous about them, since I have not done track ever I think the 4x4 will probably be my favorite,” said Ayala.
With the new athletes and normal season starting back up, the track and field team will be close to how it was three years ago.
“All in all it’s an amazing atmosphere,” said Hedlund.