Winter athletes run into spring with great potential

Jumping, pole vault, sprinting, distance running, throwing, and hurdles.

Most sports revolve around one event. Track and field provides athletes with six areas to showcase their speed, agility, and strength.

Because of this, its popularity exceeds that of many other programs.  For example, the boys team boasted around 90 members last spring. And, although the sport gets more attention in the spring, a lot of preparation occurs during the cold, dark winter months.

At HHS, winter track started as a club in the 2010/11 season; both the boys and girls teams competed at a couple of meets. During this time, a few individuals for both the boy’s and girl’s teams were able to compete at the indoor sectional meets, including Class of 2013 graduate Aiden Skelly who advanced to the Meet of Champs for the pole vault, jumping 13’6.  Additionally, Lou Corgliano (‘14) competed in the 1600 and 3200; also advancing to the MOC in both events.

Winter Track provides athletes with the opportunity to condition and stay fit for the spring season. The performances and effort during winter indicate the potential outcome of the spring season, but also set the bar for indoor competition.  In this season alone, the girls team broke over six records. In addition, Senior Dayquan Murray advanced to states for the 55 meter and high jump, along side with Juniors Luke McBrearty and Robert Gardner in pole vault.

“Winter season is difficult to keep motivation positive when we have a winter like this year,” said Dey.  “I expect that in the spring when the weather is nicer and we have additional events, that we will see an excited team that pushes the envelope. I expect to have multiple standout athletes this season and become competitive in both dual meets and invitationals.”

At the SJ Group 3 Section meet for indoor track, Dayquan Murray will advance to the State Group Meet in the 55 meter and High Jump, while Luke McBrearty and Robert Gardner advanced in pole vault.  If they place in the Top 6 at the State Meet on February 16, they will advance to the Meet of Champions.

As the winter season winds down for most, though, the coaches and athletes are prepare for the upcoming spring season.

“This year we have a roster of 47 and only 17 returners; many were participants from previous spring track season,” Dey continued. “As I look at each meet and individually at athletes; performances continue to improve and athletes become more confident about their ability and are excited to compete.”

The excitement not only rises from the current winter athletes, but also those who come from others.

“I really enjoy the sport. After running for years, the team and coaches grew on me,” said senior sprinter Anthony Effinger, “I just love the atmosphere.”

Track is often used as a means to train for other sports, get in shape, and even test your abilities. Being a part of the sport teaches the athlete to value being a team as they transform into your family as they spend countless hours training side by side.

Senior distance runner Shawn DiBona explained why he loves it.

“I value the connection between the runners of a team,” he said. “Running is where most of my friendships originated from. They are my family.”

Although Track and field is commonly referred to as an individual sport, being a team comes before being an individual athlete. Each and every individual becomes a part of who the team really is.

“I value everyone’s different take on things,” said senior thrower Alexa Gardner. “The various personalities are so awesome and we just have so much fun together.”

If they can’t grow with you, they can’t go with you. As why it is so important teammates support each other throughout the season. That support and family, yields tremendous results.

As the bonds created in winter track shift their way over to spring, the coaches have high expectations for their teams.

Girls track coach David Majofsky has high expectations.

“My expectations for the coming season have increased tremendously since the beginning of winter,” he said. “We had a lot of new girls, specifically freshman who contributed this season.”

In the recent years, the athletes have been younger but carry much potential. As long as the team can continue to grow in the new season, they are optimistic about the future.

2018 Winter Track Records for the Girls:

  • Shuttle Hurdle Relay 37.11 (Victoria Massey, Julia Terry Jamey Colasurdo, Carrigan Genovese)
  • Sprint Medley Relay 4:48.32 (Riley Patterson, Emily Dustman, Phoebe Wade, Julia Terry)
  • 4×200 relay 1:58.84 (Emma Weiss, Phoebe Wade, Emily Dustman, Mackenzie Haldeman)
  • Shot Put Relay 59 ft 6.5 inches (Lex Gardener, Jane Azwuonu)
  • Pole Vault 7 ft 6 in. (Celeste DeRose)
  • Shotput 33’9″ (Alexa Gardner)