After the 2020 season and the indoor track season were canceled due to COVID-19, the 2021 boys track team is eager to compete again. 

“It feels good to be back out on the track again,” coach Jeff Purdom said  “We are all excited to compete.”

In a sport like track where there are many different types of events, some events are stronger than others in terms of talent, leadership, and seniority.

“This year we have good senior leadership in sprint-crew and depth in distance crew and throwing,” Purdom said.

Due to the individuality of the sport, Covid has not had much of an impact on events this season, but there are some slight differences.

“Competitions are normal as of right now. Throwing is separated and in races at the starting line, runners must have masks and after the race starts the athletes can drop them,” Purdom said. “Masks also need to be worn around spectators.”

As track is an individual sport, each athlete will more than likely have unique goals from the rest of their teammates. These goals may be individual based, team based, or set based.

“I want to go under 4:50 in the mile and 10:00 in the 2 mile,” junior Aaron Wyckoff said. 

“My minimum goal for the season is to stay healthy and compete down at the state meet,” senior Conor O’Leary said.

Senior athletes see many positives in this year’s team.

“ Our potential has risen since last season,” O’Leary said. “I feel that we are a better working team and I believe that our 4×200 team can do big things this season.”

“The potential for the track team is very high because we have a lot of talented kids on the team, “ senior Aidan Haughian said.

The junior athletes also have great things to say about where this year’s team is headed.

“We have potential to be very great,” junior Jason Zigmant said. “We have a good mixture of upperclassmen hitting their strides, and younger guys who are showcasing their full potential.”

“This year’s team has potential to fill a lot of gaps in all events and win some meets,” Wyckoff said.

Team culture is also highly valued among these competitors.

“Even though we compete as individuals we all provide friendly competition at practice and keep each other’s heads held up high,” O’Leary said.

“If you have a team where everyone wants to get better, athletes recognize that and get excited for other’s PRs (Personal Records),” Purdom said. “Seeing others’ improvement draws us together.”