As the days get colder and colder during this time of year, the Indoor Track team has been warming up for their winter season.
The team held their interest meeting on Thursday, November 14th, inviting new and returning players to share information about the sport, explain meet details, and introduce both their new and returning captains.
Throughout the week of November 18th, the seniors hosted multiple captains’ practices at MacDonald Stadium from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Sprinters and distance runners warmed up and did stretches together, but had separate workouts.
“We host them because it’s good to have time to be with the team and do things together,” explained senior girls’ distance captain Nashalyn Rupert who added that the practices are “ just to really help you improve if there are certain goals you’re trying to achieve.” Captains’ practices can benefit those who want to ease their way into the sport and get a good idea of what practices will usually be like. They also help veteran runners in other cardio-heavy sports who are not running as often during their off-seasons.
The season officially commenced on December 2nd, with practices hosted at the Salemwood School. On the first day of practice, runners and throwers immediately sprung into their workouts after going over a few courtesies and giving newcomers a “rundown” on what to expect throughout the upcoming winter months. Sprinters worked indoors with Coach Marc Ferrara, who in the beginning was accompanied by Coach Michel-Le Meranda, and coach Niles, while distance runners worked outside with coach Sofiane and coach McCormick.
With heightened expectations and trust instilled in the players this year, coach Ferarra highlights the importance of training not only at practice but also in their free time, since it’s key to self-improvement and discipline. He states “If you’re not disciplined as a runner, you’re not gonna be disciplined in any other factitive that you do. Coming to track and doing what’s expected of you is half the battle.”
Many runners were given a chance to run at an invitational meet on Sunday, December 15th, which served as an opportunity to experience an early competition and measure their progress for the start of the season.
“The invitational was a great opportunity for some members of our team to be able to compete at a high level with lots of competition throughout the state to push them,” explained senior and distance captain Slade Harding.
The team experienced their first official meet together on December 19th, where they faced Malden’s Greater Boston League opponents. Their first competition as a team was the kickstarter for a new season in which the players hoped to break records, reach new heights, and surpass their past limitations.
“I love track because it’s not just about the challenge, but also the amazing support. The vibes are always positive, and everyone is friendly and encouraging,” shared sophomore and sprinter Jhillian Dumo.
With their first three meets out of the way, the returning and new members of the team are now going through the final stretch of the season. Distance captain sophomore Keira Celicourt, who runs the one and two-mile events, claimed “This track season feels so much shorter than last year! I feel more comfortable at meets, and this year I had the opportunity to go to an invitational meet, which was so much fun. This year has been different for me since I became a captain, too.”
As each athlete strives to improve practice after practice, they slowly make their way toward the season’s finish line.
