The men’s and women’s indoor track teams at Wakefield High School are practicing for perfection this season. These runners are committed to enhancing their performance, and indoor track is helping them achieve that. Indoor track provides many of the same opportunities outdoor track has and is very beneficial for athletes’ conditioning during winter. Not only is it used as a way to keep these students fit, but it provides opportunities for connection, competition and even scholarship opportunities.
The athletes who participate on these teams want to perform above and beyond expectations this season, showing Wakefield what they are truly capable of. They are practicing and improving day by day, enhancing their stamina to become better athletes. This new season provides several opportunities to learn and grow, and the students are looking to improve as much as they can.
Gavin Thomas, a senior on the team, has been on indoor track for three years. His experience provides a helpful resource to the new players on the team, allowing him to provide assistance when needed. He is looking forward to this season, and he shares what he’s trying to get from this experience.
“I really [want to get] first place,” Thomas said. “No slacking, just trying to win and take it home for the team.”
Additionally, indoor track is different from outdoor track. Indoor track has different conditions, and the meets take place indoors at different schools around the county. Imani Sharp is another senior on the track team and is looking to stay fit during the off-season. She is aspiring to grow, speaking about the differences between the two versions of track.
“Indoor track I feel like is more about conditioning and getting back into shape,” Sharp said. “Then outdoor is where you really show off what you’ve been working on for indoor.”
Although this sport provides many challenges, the team is still trying to show what they can do. Daisy Poland, a freshman, is looking forward to working with this team and embracing this new experience. Although she is new, she is excited about this new opportunity and speaks fondly of her fellow teammates.
“I haven’t met very many of them, but from what I know, they’re very, very fun to be around,” Poland said.
This sense of community can bring success to the team, and if they stick together and try their best, their dream should soon become a reality. With the coaches’ techniques and the experience of the players, they are hoping to go far this season and are filled with confidence. Even though the conditions are different, the goals are the same.
“The weather is cold,” Thomas said. “But we still get the job done either way.”