Throwing far, jumping high, jumping long, and running quickly are what most people assume track and field is. They are so wrong. Each race comes down to who trains every day, who puts in work when no one is watching. Each flight in each respective event comes down to who is most equipped to represent their school. Committing to a program isn’t easy. Long practices, mental struggles and moments where your sheer willpower is all you have. Once you buy in, great things happen.
Senior Captain Liam Updale, who is a frequent medalist in the 55m Hurdles, high jump, and the 55m shuttle hurdles and breaker of four school records is one of those who have bought in. Updale is a leader on and off the track, pushing his teammates to always push themselves even when they think they can’t.
Junior Manraj Panag, who is one of the brightest young runners in the county who has broken two school records this season, is often seen talking with teammates whenever possible.
“It’s important to just talk to the younger teammates,” Panag said. “We graduated a lot and we have a new team, so being on the same page is a good thing.”
Cementing a legacy unlike any other
Having a school record in any sport is impressive, especially in track and field.
The indoor and outdoor track and field programs are no stranger to elite caliber teams, qualifying for nationals more times than most. With such an array of talent, breaking a record in this sport adds extra value.
One of the more decorated runners, junior captain and national All-American Ciara Murphy has nine school records in her career!
“Breaking school records means proving to myself that all the hard work and challenges I overcame were worth it,” said Murphy
New seasons mean new beginnings
Seniors graduate, and people move on, yet the season starts the same time every year. Making changes and adapting to the new team is a challenge for everyone, but the talent level needs to rise to the occasion to keep up with the demanding expectations of a winning program.
When asked what a new season means to you.
Senior captain Kyria Lisojo throws the shot put for the team, and Lisojo knows exactly what type of expectations are present each and every track season.
“When a new season starts, especially this one, it was an adjustment,” said Lisojo. “I had to learn how to be a captain and how to bring out the best in my team.”
With the second half of the season underway, we here at The Barron Perspective can’t wait to see what this amazing team accomplishes next! Good luck to the winter track and field team for the remainder of the season!
