SPHS Track and Field team perpares for upcoming season

Story Ethan Kwak Illustration Samantha Shiroishi

Last season, 18 athletes on the SPHS Girls’ Track and Field qualified for CIF. The team, composed mostly of underclassmen, finished fifth among 117 other schools in CIF Division V, and second in CIF Division III.

Coach CB Richards is optimistic for the upcoming season. Sophomores Abigail Errington, Kezia Gavlak, Perri Koo, Chloe Koo, Jackie Sides, and Amelie Geoffron all excelled in multiple categories as freshmen. Errington broke 33-year Rio Hondo League league final records for the 3200m along with junior Mia Holden setting records in the triple jump.

“The sophomores still have a lot of untapped potential that we will see come to fruition this season. Their natural talent combined with the hard work … will be a key factor in the team’s overall success this season,” Richards said.

Richards also expects great progress from returning athletes junior Helena Foord, junior Lillian Sherman, senior Rachel Noonan, sophomore Avery Taylor, junior Zoya Brown, and senior Luna Encinas.

“I am confident that this team is ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. We show a great deal of potential, and I am excited to see how that translates to meets,” Richards said. “The dedication and hard work that has been put in during the off-season is evident … and I know that it will pay off when we hit the track.”

In addition to the current roster, freshmen Anna Kowal, Amada Cortes, and Naya Holden will join the team this season.

“[There is] a lot of new talent coming in, but I have noticed these new freshmen showing varsity scoring potential in 2023,” Richards said.

Among the many events on the road to CIF, sophomore distance runners Errington, C. Koo, Sofia Humphrey, and Geoffron train in anticipation for the Arcadia invite. Hosted by Arcadia High School, the track and field meet is known as the most competitive in the country, drawing runners nationwide.

“This season, I’m looking forward to the Arcadia invite and competitive meets,” Errington said. “During cross country season it was definitely a boost to our confidence because we broke a lot of records. We want the opportunity to race against the fastest girls in the country.”

Last season, the team broke many personal, school, and even league records. With a strong lineup of relay teams, SPHS track broke records for the 4x1600 and 4x800.

“Honestly [I am] just [looking forward to] having a fun time with my team, possibly breaking some records and possibly winning the 4x16 and 4x8,” C. Koo said.

This year’s roster with ambitious, enthusiastic studentathletes is the ideal combination for a successful season.

“Each year, I am excited to see what the future holds as far as what the season brings us. For this team as we continue to build on this success and strive for even greater accomplishments I believe we will reach for high goals… I am excited to help the team on that path… This is what team sports are all about to us at SPHS Tiger Track,” Richards said. The first track meet will be held at Covina High School on Feb. 18, 2023.