By Chris Moffitt
When asked why they run track, several track members responded with a look of puzzlement on their faces, saying, “Actually…I don’t know.
In all honesty, track is difficult, painful, and tiring. Truly, it is a sport for those who believe in the mantra “work works.” Practices are long and hard, but the results are spectacular. At this part of the track season when the team is preparing for the State Track Meet, practices just become more strenuous. But, again, the results are simply inspiring.
Senior Isaiah Britain comments on these results saying, “Things are really coming together. We don’t have a lot of numbers, but we have developed a lot of specialists. For the boys team, we have state finalists for the 4×100 (relay), the 4×400, shot put, discus, the 300 hurdles, and the 400.”
One particularly impressive embodiment of dedication and hard work in track is found in Ahmad Jones. Isaiah remarks that “Ahmad’s ability to run through pain and maintain a constant speed has led him to excel in the 400, the 4×100, the 4×400, the 300 hurdles, and the triple jump. He is actually doing four of those events at State. In fact, Ahmad has the team’s fastest 400 time.” Isaiah himself is certainly excelling in his track events. He is ranked second in his division for discus and third for shot put. These are just two examples of the stellar athletes on the boys team.
The girls team is also excelling. Outstanding freshman Morgan Cryder says, “The team is pretty small, but we work hard and have fun.” The girls team is particularly excited that their 4×100 and 4×400 have both qualified for State.
Throughout the interview, as the track members discussed their accomplishments, the real reason they participate in track soon became apparent. “It’s fun and I want to win State,” says Isaiah Britain. “It’s fun…and hard…but good,” says Sophomore Emily Casey. The track team runs for the accomplishment they feel when they finish and for the friends they make along the way.
As they take their starting stances for the State Track Meet, they will certainly remember the slogan that has become defining for this season’s TPA track team: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”
