It’s that time of year again Highlanders! Coach Lambert and Coach Begley kicked off the Winter Track season on Monday, December 2. Many excited students gathered outside the locker rooms for their first day.
One may argue that Winter Track is not serious at all and that it is just an after-school program for students to get in shape for spring athletics. However, this is a common misconception. Although students can workout to prep for the spring, Winter Track is also a reputable team sport where many athletes are given the opportunity to train and eventually compete if they wish to do so.
Dedication to the sport is exhibited by several of the athletes who are coming off a successful Cross Country season and those who are also involved with Spring Track. Others are returning athletes for another great season! New members are just as dedicated and motivated and their potential does not go unnoticed. Whether the student is a sprinter, distance runner, a thrower, pole vaulter, or a jumper, a lot of time and effort is put into becoming the athlete s/he wants to be.
Winter track is more than just a sport: it is a lifestyle. Athletes can be seen throughout the day drinking multiple bottles of water, a major component to the sport, which is vital for an athlete’s best performance. Others are also seen doing additional workouts after practice or up at the track during the weekends to get in a nice workout. The relationship of the athletes extends after school hours: they are involved together in other clubs/activities in and out of school, they are classmates, and are some are also good friends.
800 meter runner, Erin McCarthy, was able shed some light on the subject:
- Why did you sign up for Winter Track?
McCarthy: I signed up because I honestly love running, but also to burn a couple calories along the way!
- The cold weather is something that makes winter athletes stand out. Many people don’t understand why or how students sign up to run in temperatures below 40 degrees! What do you think of the cold weather during Winter Track?
McCarthy: I think when it’s cold out it’s harder to want to run, but once you start it almost makes you run faster to get warmer
- How do you personally benefit from the sport?
McCarthy: I personally benefit from it because it makes me feel better, happier, stronger, and it actually helps me do better in school (I get depressed in the winter if I’m not active!)
- What’s your favorite thing about being part of the program?
Mc Carthy: My favorite part about being in the program is probably the motivation from everyone that keeps me going. Everyone helps push each other and I think that’s what helps us get stronger as a team and individually.
Looking to support your fellow Highlanders? Winter Track has their first meet on Thursday, January 2nd at the Rockland Community College! The season is off to a good start and much more is to be seen from these dedicated athletes!