Photo Credit: Mark Legall

By Jeremiah Jackson

Staff Writer

Track is not so much about the race, but about the runner. The Golden Bear track team pride themselves with their constant improvements, fast pace, and acceptance of the grind. With constant competition between peers and the push of Coach Alonzo, Hammond runners are constantly running personal records and competing at the highest level. Though competition might be tough, leaders like Jaxon Collins, a junior from Hammond, has pushed through and is currently on pace to running and competing on a state level. When asked about his mindset, Collins, an 11th grader, says, “Track is all mental, and if you believe that you can’t do it, then you won’t achieve it”

Laela Collins, a Hammond ninth grader, manages energy in a very specific way. She says,”I just lock in” .The ninth grader ignores all distractions and runs to the best of her ability. Whoops was explained to be a chant that spectators use when a person is closing the distance on a runner in front of them. When running this chant contributes to energy management. Since Track is mainly individual, It is you against other people, therefore energy can help runners or hurt them, and it’s up to the runner to interpret it.

Going into regionals expectations are very high for both the womens and mens team. Womens Captain Sara Taylor says “I think the girls are prepared to run really well at regionals, and I believe I can definitely place top 3 in multiple events.”

The other women’s captain Aryann Koroma says “I’m definitely gonna get top 3 in the 500 and our 4×4 should get first overall.”
Indoor track is an individualized sport with many challenges and obstacles. Runners are putting their body and mind against others in a battle with only one winner. These athletes  compete in an unforgiving sport and despite this produce results meet in and meet out.