Varsity track “jumps the gun”
Hawene Alomayehu, Staff Writer
The long awaited track season has officially started. While the sudden COVID-19 outburst at the beginning of the semester halted the boys’ and girls’ track and field team, the hardworking teammates feel they’ve made up for the lost time. One of the team captains, Stephanie Gracia (’22) reflects on how the team has persevered despite the impacts of COVID-19.
“At first COVID-19 caused us to not have any practices as a team whatsoever, but as things started to get better, COVID-19 has allowed us to take advantage of everything. If we have the opportunity to race, we take it. Since we are a huge team we are divided into two groups when it comes to drills, warm ups, and workouts. With that being said, COVID-19 has embraced changes in our life, but luckily we still find ways to thrive through it all,” Gracia said.
The team continues to train hard, and team captain Kai Sloan (’22) lists his main objectives of the season.
“One: defend our title as bay league champs. Two: break some of the school relay records. Three: Get 15 boys under five minutes and 15 girls under six minutes in the 1600m event,” Sloan said.
The team is made up of sprinters, distance runners and those who participate in the field events.The diverse range of track and field athletes allow for Samo to win big in their season.
Much of the team’s off-season consisted of daily runs and workouts which have conditioned the team to outrun their opponents. Other team captain Kim Hansen (’22) expresses hope for her last season of track and field.
“Based on our recent workouts, this track season looks promising. I’m really excited to get started and possibly break some records. Overall, I think this track season will be great! It’s my last year with this wonderful team so I hope I go out with a good time,” Hansen said.
As more competitions approach, the team is counting on their enthusiastic demeanor and hard work for a successful season.
David Ervin (’24) and Nico Lombard (’24) chase after each other during the Malibu high school invite on Feb. 26.