By Mackenzie Branch, Amelia Brooks, Annie Ciaccio & Lucy Galbraith

Little did they know how much track would impact their daily lives.

Senior Emma Gardner said the best part of track is the amazing environment and great people. 

“The best part about being on the track team is being with such a good environment. There’s so many good people that are always there to support you, and I get to watch the younger kids get better and better each meet,” Gardner said.

Senior Kenna Cruse said the best part of track is the friendships she has made through all the years she has done track. She enjoys being a senior and being a role model for the freshmen.

“The best part of being on the track team are the friendships I’ve made along the way. This year I’ve really enjoyed being a senior and leader on the team and being able to be friends with the younger athletes, especially the freshman,” Cruse said.

Freshman Makel James makes sure to eat healthy and drink water before meets. He also mentally prepares himself for what the track meet may bring. 

“Before a meet, I make sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of water and think about my race to mentally prepare myself,” James said.

Cruse always stretches the day before a meet and does compression boots. 

“The day before a meet I always make sure to do hurdle mobility and stretch; I also usually go to the training room and do compression boots. That night I always make sure to drink lots of water and go to bed early,” she said.

Gardner has to get over a mental block annually. 

“I had to get over a mental block every year where my distances plateau and don’t increase and I have to make small tweaks to technique,” she said.

James had to overcome a challenge where he doubted himself and experienced shin splints. 

“A challenge I had to overcome was always doubting myself and not putting confidence in myself, blocking me from this would be shin splints, which they can slow you down because of the hard pressure being put on the shins,” James said.