Uni ed Track

County, conference champs again

Unified Track and Field repeats in Hamilton County, HCC

Ben Rosen rosenben000@hsestudents.org

2 1. Senior Devin Hankins runs during a meet on April 19. 2. During a meet on April 19, senior Elaine Murphy and freshman Caleb Short compete in a relay. Photos by Kailey Santiago. For the second year in a row, Unified Track and Field placed first at the 2021 Hamilton County championship meet. The team has competed in 10 meets as of May 17, including the Hoosier Crossroads Conference championship meet on May 15 at Franklin Central High School which they won for the second consecutive season as well. “COVID has been very persistent in everyone’s life and has caused us to take precautions for this season,” junior Luke Asquini said. “In practice, we all must maintain social distance. If we are running, we are allowed to take off our masks but otherwise, we are required to wear them.” Senior Jill Snyder said that even with all the restrictions due to the pandemic, the feeling of being a part of the team remains the same. “The atmosphere for unified track is so inviting and heartwarming,” Snyder said. “It feels like a safe space where you can go to hang out with friends and improve in a sport that everyone loves.” Asquini tends to agree with Snyder’s observation. “The kind and friendly atmosphere is still present even though we have many more responsibilities this year compared to previous years,” Asquini said. Snyder said the experience is more unique compared to other sports teams. “It’s unique in competition because of how supportive everyone is of everyone,” Snyder said. “Despite different school names, everyone is cheering for each other and sometimes we even do large group huddles to celebrate after a meet is over.” Athletes like Asquini who participate in multiple sports have to find a balance between being a high school student and an athlete. “Some days, I will admit, are better than others,” Asquini said. “I currently am participating in soccer and unified track. I am doing a decent job balancing my schoolwork and my sports.” Asquini has some advice for those trying to balance participating in multiple sports while still being a high school student. “As long as someone who is in multiple sports maintains an organized schedule and manages their time well (they) should be able to do well in both school and in athletic activities,” Asquini said. Senior Jessie Guler is having to find a balance between being a boys volleyball manager and participating in unified track and field. “I have that season happening now in addition to track, school, and college planning,” Guler said. “I think keeping your assignments straight and a priority is the only way I am getting through the seasons.” The sectional tournament was scheduled to take place on May 22 at Noblesville High School. The regional tournament is scheduled for May 29 at Kokomo High School. The state tournament is scheduled for June 5 at Ben Davis High School. Originally scheduled to be hosted by Indiana University-Bloomington, the event was moved to Ben Davis due to the university being unable to host the event with spectators in attendance on that date, according to a press release from the IHSAA.