Track and Field teammates motivated to never give up

Spartan Track and Field boasts 50 new members and five captains this year.

The captains, Bridget Keel, Carys Hardy, Becca Richman, Calvin He, and Ray Guo, all share a common interest in running but joined for different reasons.

He transfers his cross country skills to the track: “A lot of people from cross country were also doing track and field so I was like, ‘Oh okay, why not? It seems fun’,” he said.

Guo, on the other hand, appreciates the athletic aspect. “[I joined track] because it works on your speed and physicality.”

Practice starts with members warming up together, stretching their muscles to avoid injuries.

After warming up, the team splits up into their designated event groups to prepare for meets.

Popular events include sprinting, long-distance, hurdles, and long jump while other events include the high jump, triple jump, and shot put. Athletes learn different techniques for each event and practice in all conditions, rain or shine.

Although it is always a full team, there’s a glowing sense of community.

“We run together, we do all the exercises, and we’re just like together as a group,” He said. “It’s a great feeling to just, be at your best and have other people competing with you in a friendly manner.”

Head Coach Willie Taylor also emphasizes team community and having fun. He does this by incorporating games such as red light green light into practices to create a more open and fun environment that also includes skills from track and field.

Taylor reminds the team they need to work together: “This is your track team, not mine,” he said.

Taylor is accompanied by Robb Donnelly, Stacy Tepp, and Eric Salverda.

Teammates encour age and motivate others to continue the sport. “There were moments where I wanted to quit but time and again, someone would grab me and be like, You’re gonna be fine. Just deal with it.” Richman said. “Track is for everyone and it’s about your attitude when it comes down to it.”

Golf team grows, with hopes for more to grab a club

The sun beats down on a group of girls dressed in navy polo shirts all carrying their clubs over their shoulders. Faces full of determination, they prepare to start another day of practice.

Captain Nikola Barkwell is used to having a small team, but this year they encountered a sudden increase in participation.

Still, “Our team is quite close,” she said.

A usual day includes a trip to Highland Golf Course or Element In- door Golf for practice.

Eloise Leatham’s favorite part?

“We do something new every day; it’s really exciting,” Leatham said.

Team members provide rides to as many team members as possible due to recent buss shortages, but they don’t let the situation ruin their mood. “We have a lot of fun listening to music and getting to know each other,” Barkwell said.

Team members want to avoid equipment costs being the reason someone can’t join the team, so teammates with extra clubs offer them to newer