With the start of spring comes the start of track season. After a month of practice, the high school track team was finally able to compete in the first meet at Clearwater on April 1. With almost two track meets every week, the season moves quickly to finish off the school year. 

“Although we had a few weeks of practice, we lost a lot with spring break and the Florida trip,” said sophomore Cheyanne Tull. “The weather also hasn’t been the best so we haven’t been able to go as hard in practice.”

Tull competes in the 800, 4×8, and long jump, with her main focus being long distance races. 

In past years, the Clearwater meet has been cold and rainy weather, but this year the weather was warm and perfect for an outdoor sporting event.

“I thought we’d get rained out and it would affect the rest of the season, especially for the underclassmen,” senior Ben Hartman said. “Having the first meet experience really pushes everyone to be better and a lot of the younger kids scratched on their events so it gives us all something to work on. I try to help them in practices by showing them the steps.” 

Hartman competes in throwing events: shot put, javelin, and discus. 

Due to COVID-19, last year’s track season was cancelled, leaving some students feeling unprepared this year.

“I haven’t competed since middle school because of missing last year,” said Jack Hartman. “The meet didn’t go as well as I wanted it to. I was really nervous because the competition was really different.”