In the world of track and field, names like Usain Bolt and Faith Kipyegon are often mentioned. Wakefield’s indoor track team may soon join

these ranks. On Feb. 9, the team executed an impressive performance at the state championship. The Wakefield team showcased their power and excellence in the sport, from securing third place in the 4×200 relay to achieving 23 place in the 300-meter dash.

Seven athletes competed at the state championship under Coach Patience Adams, who managed to create a family-like environment on the team. Support came from everyone, which led to a second-place win for pole vaulter Jack Tan.

“Coach Adams is one of the best high school coaches I’ve ever met,” Tan said. “She comes to most of my club meets that sometimes Wakefield isn’t at, and all my teammates have always been very supportive of my track journey.”

With their power, speed and endurance, the team was on track for an unforgettable season early on. They were devoted and it took them far – not only did each individual become better, but the sports program itself also improved.

“It wasn’t about making track good,” Adams said. “It was about making the program itself better because we want to be able to gravitate more athletes and more students.”

Being a student-athlete means that sacrifices have to be made, whether it be missing a party to train or spending your day sore from a challenging meet. Shot-put thrower Israel Sosanya and runner Imani Sharp have experienced this throughout their years on the track team.

“I sacrificed my free time but it didn’t matter because I knew what I wanted to become,” Sosanya said.

The sport is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical according to Coach Adams. This ideology helps her create the best athletes from the best people.

“Instead of looking for great athletes, I look for great people,” Adams said. “You’re going to find great athletes within those people. From there, it comes with dedication and hard work, and if we can get those two things, anything is possible, and we can climb up the charts.”

It takes a keen mentality to be great at anything you do. From jumping to running to even throwing, the mindset inside a person can take them as far as they want to go. Sosanya took that lesson to heart. This allowed him to throw himself into the top 10 of shot-put.

“You go through challenging stuff, but no matter what you never give up,” Sosanya said.

Wakefield’s indoor track team’s impressive performance at the state championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it’s clear that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of track and field. The team welcomes anyone to the amazing sport, for anyone can become a champion.

“Some advice I would give to others is to not rush the process,” Sharp said. “If you work hard each day and stay focused on the main goal, you will see results little by little.”