This school’s indoor track team has been busy since the start of the season, with athletes pushing themselves to improve and compete in both developmental and invitational meets.
The team kicked off the season with their first developmental meet on Dec. 10, followed by another on Dec. 17. These meets, while less competitive than invitationals, provide an important benchmark for the team’s progress. At the early meets, athletes placed in their respective events. These early finishes are a promising sign for the team as they continue to develop and refine their techniques for future races. “The times run at the beginning meets show where athletes are starting and allow our coach to get a sense of athletes abilities,” junior Charlie Rollins said.
The team lost nine seniors last year who were important to the team. “The majority of those [graduated] kids were state level competitors,” track Coach Momodou Drammeh said.
According to Drammeh, because this team is young they are “trying to get back to the basics” to set them up for future success.
The team practices every weekday from 3:45 to 5 p.m… This amount of practice allows the team to be prepared for the competition at every meet. “I try to keep practices as enjoyable as they can be while still making sure that full effort is given at all times and the workouts are taken seriously,” Drammeh said.
On Jan. 11, athletes represented the school at the Montgomery County Track Invitational. At this meet, athletes compete in various events, ranging from sprints to longer distance races, pole jump and long jump. Junior Nathan Downie set a new school record in the 800m with a time of 1.57.88 and placed second at the meet. “It felt rewarding to achieve this record and it makes me feel like my training has been paying off and it’s motivating for future races,” Downie said.
The team had a developmental meet on Jan. 13. At this meet senior Rednon Yerman broke the boy’s 3200m record with a time of 9.48.38 and placed second overall. Edward Sun also placed second in his race in the 800m, placing him eighth all-time in school history. Junior Zaara Burnett moved up to sixth all-time in school history while placing fourth in the triple jump. Other top finishers include senior Ellisa Eppard in the 800m finishing in sixth place, junior Luke Gabrielle in second place and Brandon Kniesler in the 1600m placing fifth place. “I always enjoy seeing everyone progress and do well at competitions, especially championships because they get more recognition for their efforts,” Drammeh said.
As the season progresses, athletes will continue to compete in developmental meets and invitationals. Each of these competitions offers a chance to refine techniques and test new strategies. These competitions also serve as crucial stepping stones for the upcoming outdoor season, allowing athletes to build endurance, confidence and teamwork. “We’ve been making steady improvements which is always a great thing and we look to be rounding into form right before championship season,” Drammeh said.
