As the spring season starts, the Malden High School track and field team are preparing for the upcoming season. With a substantial amount of students competing in events such as javelin, discus, sprints, and long jump, the track and field team is hoping for a successful season.
Coach David Londino is entering his 13th year coaching outdoor track and his 38th season of coaching. In Londino’s perspective the girls team is very well rounded as they have state qualified athletes in the sprints, distance, throwing, and jumping events. The boys team is working on developing young talent.
Londino mentions that he expects all the athletes “to put forth [their] best, and always put team achievement ahead of individual achievement.” Londino also believes that there is a lack of ownership within the team. “In previous years, past team members, especially upperclassmen, have considered the team [their] own, held [each other] accountable, and worked hard for team success.”.
Junior Genny Murphy is one of the athletes competing in the javelin and discus events. Murphy is going into her third year with the team hoping that “[they] do as well as [they] did during indoor track and have a winning season.” In Murphy’s eyes, the team needs to work on cheering on each other and “keeping spirits up when [they do not] get the results [they] hope for.”
Senior Taaj Findley, has been a member of the track and field team for two years and is competing in the high jump and possibly the long and triple jump. Findley has high expectations for the team this year stating “[his] expectations are for both the girls and boys team to win at least 5 out of the 7 meets and for at least 20 of [them] to qualify for states. Findley believes the team needs to improve on staying motivated and having confidence, and with that “[they will] have a great season.”
Junior Shataeya Smith is one of the long standing members of the team, this being her sixth season as she has done indoor track as well. Smith expects to beat the school record and exceed the 35’ mark in shot put. Smith also wants to throw over 100 ft in discus which sets her a new personal record.
Overall, the Track team is looking forward to the upcoming season.
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