The Success Of The Indoor State Track Meet

CIARA LATHAM, XII

Last month, CSG’s upper school track and field team sent a talented group of athletes to compete in the Division 2 and Division 3 Indoor State Championship Meet. Pilar Walton, Jameson Pillifant, Mira Martin, Grace Chapman, Ella Chomic, and Grace Chomic had exceptional performances at the district meet, which qualified them to compete at states. Undoubtedly, this talented team is impressive as demonstrated by their fast times, high, and long jumps. But, these girls have a gritty sportsmanship that cannot solely be expressed by scores.

On the field, the team canlooktoJamesonPillifant,XI, and Pilar Walton, X, to show up and show out. Walton took her coachesandteammatesbystorm, with remarkable feats in high jump last outdoor season— and it should be emphasized it was her freshman year. As evidenced by her indoor performance and preseason training, Walton’s habit of constant improvement will carry over into the current outdoor season. At the indoor state meet, Walton placed 17th in high jump matching her indoor season personal record of 4’10”. On the other side of the field, spectators can find junior Jameson Pillifiant dropping jaws at the long jump pit. Pillifant’s performance can only be described as skillful and precise. In addition to her unbelievable athleticism, Pillifant trains with a sharpness and intention that only enhances her performance. During the state meets, she placed 14th in long jump. Pillifant also qualified individually for the 60-meter dash where she made a new personal record and later played a key role in the 4x400-meter relay.

The 4x400-meter relay has an important stake across the Track and Field team. Routinely the final event at a track meet, runners are tasked with maintaining their energy and cultivating a successful team dynamic. In the first leg, Mira Martin, XI, undertook the vital lead-off role. Dependable and diligent, Martin’s teammates could rest assured that they were off to a strong start. What makes Martin so capable in this position is likely her competitive focus. As a key player, she is well acquainted with her own skills and speed— and she won’t let any opponent challenge that. The baton was then passed off to Lila Schroeder, X. Like Walton, Schroeder also joined with a remarkable performance last season. Still an underclassman, Schroeder continues to come out on top which can be attributed to her willingness to endure. Grace Chapman, IX, assumed the tricky position of third leg once again proving that despite being a freshman, there is nothing “junior varsity” about her. Chapman has all the makings to be rookie of the year already establishing herself as a key player. Chapman finished a speedy 400-meter run passing off the baton to anchor Jameson Pillifant. Running as the last leg, the team can count on Pillifant to wrap things up with a bow. Overall, the team came in 11th in their division out of 24 teams. With significant accomplishments from the indoor season, this group is heading into the spring season with intensity. As they tackle these next few weeks of training and practice, these athletes will be well-prepared for their first meet on April 4 at Kirk Campus.