Following the completion of fall sports, some athletes partake in indoor track. The indoor track team features runners, throwers, and jumpers. Events include the 55-meter, 100-meter, 200-meter, 300-meter, 400-meter, 600-meter, 800-meter, mile, two-mile, and relay races with long-jump, pole vault, and shotput competitions.
“Work hard. Don’t settle for laziness. You will not get what you want,” says Senior Max Ciochon Newton. Newton, a pole vaulter in his fourth season, believes hard work pays off. Newton was a cross-country captain and will provide leadership, assisting the team.
“I enjoy the competitiveness that comes with indoor track,” Newton adds. Newton, who aims for a state championship in vaulting, wants to instill determination while keeping spirits high. Newton wants to organize events such as pasta parties to ensure comradery.
Sports encourage participants to work together while striving to reach their goals. The indoor track season allows students to boost their athleticism while competing in a team setting.
“You have to be self-motivated. What you put in is what you get,” Head Coach Peter Jambor claims. Jambor, in his 40th year of coaching, gives experience and passion to the team. Jambor, pointing out that numerous seniors on the team last year have graduated, foresees younger runners getting opportunities.
“I am looking forward to seeing the kids perform and do well,” Jambor adds.
With the ultimate desire for state championships, athletes have a common goal to fight for. Winter conditions are considered “Rough” and “Very challenging,” but the athletes are pursuing team and individual success. Senior Daniel Enrico, an experienced runner, is looking forward to the season.
“I like racing people, even more so my friends. I also like to break records,” Enrico says. He strives to participate in the New Balance Indoor Nationals, a national indoor track competition. Enrico enjoys running but reflects on the social aspect.
“I’ve gained a lot of good friends through sports. Not only from our school but others.” Enrico claims seniors have paved the way for him. As a senior, he looks to help others.
Assistant Coach Abby Blanchard is ecstatic for the season, testifying to the benefits of indoor track. She says track is a team environment that gets people outside. She knows that many of last year’s team members have graduated but believes the new opportunities given to the younger groups will be beneficial.
“Many new opportunities. New blood!” Blanchard wants the best for the team, wanting them to perform well.
“We have the goal of each athlete getting faster and stronger and to improve their times or distances,” Blanchard says. In her second year of coaching, Blanchard is eager to oversee the progressions of each athlete – physically and mentally.
Sophomore Clara Pasacreta says, “Running is good for my body, keeps me fit, and improves my mental health.” A long-distance runner, she enjoys competing with friends while improving her health. Pasacreta will work towards personal records in the mile and the 800-meter relay race.
Indoor track practices are outside, and sometimes it’s cold out there. But the athletes keep going anyway, with the understanding that the learned mindset of adversity will aid them in their chase for states – and beyond.
