By: Anna Baugh, Millie Fiesel, Katia Loper & Jocelyn Query

Woodmen top runners are  preparing for one of their hardest track meets. 

Most freshmen are nervous about facing upperclassmen, but freshman Lucy Galbraith uses it to her advantage. 

“I wouldn’t say I was scared. I would say it was just pushing me to be my best possible self and try to make myself better every day to try and get to their level,” Galbraith said.

Over the years, junior Melanie Le has enjoyed track and is looking forward to next season. She is known for her speed and jumps.

“I am excited for the 4×1. I love the race because of the people I run it with, and it’s a low-stress race for me. I usually run the first leg, so I only run for around 12 to 13 seconds before I hand it off, and I can watch as my team does their best to compete,” Le said.

Le enjoys the 4×1 particularly because she enjoys spending time with her friends from other schools. She has developed friendships over the years.

“It is for sure one of my favorite races since I get to see my sprinter friends from other schools compete. Having a baton in my hands makes me feel like I run faster than when I don’t have one,” Le said.

Senior Jay Carter has some pretty intense competition at the Bloomington invite. He is currently training to win first place.

“In the competition, jumper-wise, I don’t know his exact name, but it’s a guy from Bloomington North. He and I were going head-to-head in my sophomore year but not in my junior year because Bloomington got canceled,” Carter said. 

Senior Jay Carter is a long jumper. He has one special song he listens to get ready for his competitions. 

“My go-to song before I jump is ‘Locked In’ by HD Be Dope,” Carter said. 

Pre-game snacks help athletes get ready for the meets. Galbraith has a very specific one packed with lots of nutrients to fuel her. 

“My pre-race snack is definitely beef sticks,” Galbraith said.