This winter’s indoor track season was defined by growth and adaptation. From the first meet in December to the final championship races, the team focused on improving execution and building up skills for outdoor competition.
Many new athletes and underclassmen ran for the first time, making the team young and full of potential for future seasons. Indoor racing forces athletes to make adjustments quickly. The smaller tracks tighten every race, and mistakes become easier to notice. That environment pushed athletes to stay disciplined with pacing starts and race strategy as the season developed.
The sprint group showed clear improvement as the season unfolded. In the 55-meter and 300-meter events, runners steadily lowered their times as starts became sharper and finishes stronger. Relay teams in the 4×200 and 4×400 also developed stronger chemistry as the weeks went on. Early meets focused on refining handoffs and building trust between teammates. By the time championship races arrived, exchanges looked smoother and the confidence between runners was noticeable. The progress may have come in small increments, but in close races, those increments made the difference.
Distance runners added depth in the 800 meter, 1600 meter and 3200-meter events. Indoor racing often becomes tactical because positioning on a tight track can determine the pace of the race. Thus, as the season progressed, athletes demonstrated stronger closing speed and better patience during the early laps. Several runners posted season-best performances near the end of the schedule, which reflected the steady training approach used throughout the winter.
The season also presented a challenge that required the team to adapt. During the middle of the season, head coach Moe Drammeh had to step away from the team for two weeks. His absence forced athletes to take on more responsibility during practices and meets while still maintaining focus on improvement. For a group that relied heavily on routine and coaching guidance, the situation tested the team’s ability to stay connected and accountable.
Instead of letting the disruption slow their momentum, athletes leaned on leadership within the team and continued preparing for upcoming meets. “Our indoor season went a long way for us as we bonded through social events, leadership from captains and accountability to each other, which made it feel like we were building for the future,” Drammeh said.
That stretch became a moment where the culture of the program mattered as much as performance. Captains helped guide workouts, and athletes held each other accountable during practices and competitions. The experience created a sense of unity that carried through the remainder of the season. Captain and junior Max Gomez reflected on that period and how the group handled the challenge. “Morale in the middle of the season was high, and even though some meets felt a little disorganized while Coach Moe was away, we stayed together as a team. Coach Moe was like the Avatar. When we needed him most, he vanished,” Gomez said.
For upperclassmen, the indoor season also brought perspective. Goals were set early and not every milestone was reached, but the experience helped clarify what still needs improvement before outdoor competition begins. Senior Joshua Derrel reflected on the balance between expectations and preparation. “Indoor track was good. Even though I didn’t hit every milestone I wanted to, it was good preparation and I’m excited to see my progression in the outdoor season,” Derrel said.
The sense of growth extended to younger athletes as well. Many competitors were racing in high-pressure meets for the first time, which required quick learning and resilience after difficult races. That exposure built confidence across the roster and helped shape a stronger group heading into the spring. The experience of competing together through practice, meets and unexpected challenges helped strengthen relationships within the team.
Senior Kioko Kibua reflected on the environment created by the athletes and coaches throughout the season. “It was a pleasure to run under Coach Moe and Coach B, who taught me more than I could imagine. I loved being able to run with a dedicated group of individuals, no matter the weather. To be a part of a regional championship relay team in my first season exceeded my expectations, but in the end, I am just really grateful I was a part of that team,” Kibua said.
