Track & field looks forward to a promising season

by Isabelle Johnson

This spring, the Southern Lehigh High School track team looks to their season with a positive mindset and many prestigious achievements in mind. The track team was very successful in 2022, gaining the status of the undefeated Colonial League meet champs. Over the course of the 2023 season, the team has many goals, both individually and for the group as a whole.

"I'm really hoping to improve my individual events this season," junior Reese Higgings said. "Along with that, I hope to see the team make progress through our relays and our standings among other teams."

The head coach, Mr. Cotie Strong, and the assistant coaches, Mrs. Michelle Schumaker, Mr. Brenton Ditchcreek, Mr. Stephen Schrader, Ms. Andrea Stevko, and Ms. Edann Brady, work hard each day with the athletes to help them achieve their goals, one of which is going undefeated this season. Specifically, they encourage the athletes to focus heavily on fine-tuning their technical skills, conditioning, speed, and track events.

"I would really like to see them improve both individually and as a team," Coach Strong said. "We have quite a few new people this year and some younger people who we really see a lot of potential in, not only for this year but also for future years."

This season presented the team with a challenge unlike any other year: the Southern Lehigh stadium construction. Therefore, the team is unable to practice there and needs a home track for meets. However, SLHS is conveniently located near DeSales University and Lehigh University, allowing the team to access their facilities for practices.

"The new location was definitely an adjustment, but we are doing well now," junior Alex Lea said. "It has not affected us too much, and we are really able to take advantage of the track and work hard."

The group shows resilience both during their practices and off the track through their strong, developing bond. After many seniors graduated last season, the team's new dynamics allowed many younger athletes to step up and take part in relays.

"The team is very supportive and welcoming," freshman Zoe Vezenov said. "Everybody is very kind and patient, and they are always there to help anybody on the team."

The athletes must stay physically and mentally focused on success in the remainder of the season. Along with that, the group must support each other before and after every one of their races.

"I think both the girls’ team and the boys’ team seem to get along really well together," Coach Strong said. "If we put people in different relays and events, everyone cheers people on and [they are] willing to work together."