The 2021 track season has officially begun, since practices started on March 8, 2021. To prepare for the season,  practices were held Monday through Friday 2:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the high school track. The team has been doing much conditioning workouts that include long distance runs, repeat sprints, plyometrics, body weight exercises and technique drills for each event. 

The athletes are using this time to really push themselves to become the best versions they can be, whether as a runner or leader. One senior, Kayla Gandy, hopes to achieve all her goals as this is her last year of track. 

“For my senior year, I hope to set new goals such as: making new prs [personal records] and being an asset to my team, as well as a good role model and leader,” says Gandy.

COVID-19 has changed the way events will be held. The team is limited to only three athletes per event, and sprint races will be run with only three runners in a heat rather than six. Throwing events have also conformed to the new way of competing in order to avoid transmission of germs. Masks are worn during practices and meets and will only be removed for competitors in the event, then immediately put back on. 

Despite the limitations, the team has been working to improve their skills as individuals so that the overall team can also improve. 

COVID-19 has also led to a downsize in numbers. Currently, only 55 athletes are on the team. A normal season consists of 75 in order to fill the 18 different events. 

Brett Wrubleski, senior, encourages those interested in running to give the track team a shot: “Give it a try. Track is an individual competition and a team sport, so you’ll have plenty of support throughout the year.”

The team is very excited to be able to have a season and hope to achieve a lot in order to make up for lost time. Their next meet is April 8 against Montour High School.