The Morgan Track team has a special culture. Each athlete does three to four events, throwing and running or both, and we do not hesitate to cheer each other on during different events. I have been on the track team for 3 years. All track athletes work on their events during practice, but we come together as a team when we do running and abdominal workouts. Our running workouts are put together by coaches Jared Stevens and Courtney Carroll. They can be brutal, but they can help us with our events immensely. Even though track is an individual sport, this co-ed team is unified and fun to be around.
Junior Gabi Navarra described the culture as a “welcoming and friendly environment; like a family.” She said, “we always support and cheer on our teammates no matter if they’re in first or last place.” We all want to have fun in practice, from the team chats to motivating each other to finish our workouts, and we know when to lock in and work hard.
Running track is a great way to stay in shape for other sports, since there are both distance running and sprinting events. Many of our Morgan track athletes play other sports, like basketball, soccer, cross-country, and more. Running track builds endurance, speed, athleticism, and physical fitness. For example, it can help improve speed and quickness for those who play soccer or build endurance for cross country runners in the fall.
The track team has four captains: Julia White, Trevor Leach, Michael Fusco, and Robbie Estabrook. The rest of the seniors include: Ainsleigh Landino, AJ Luke, Glenda Zhiminaicela, Hayden Walter, and Lilianna Torres. They have great leadership skills, from leading warmups to helping everyone get through long invitationals that last the whole day. Junior Captain Michael Fusco said, “I would say that the new members of the team see that we aren’t just a team, but a family. Everyone on the team is encouraging and positive when it comes to working out at practice or at meets.” Captain Julia White describes the team as “The best since I’ve run track. This year, I feel we are more connected as a group.”
Sophomore Addy Reed describes the four captains as being “so supportive to everyone on the team. They keep everyone happy, included, and in check.” Addy also loves when Julia encourages her before running her events. It makes her less nervous and more motivated before the race. Addy also says the captains have helped the team become so close. They know how to put the work in and have fun at the same time.
Come support the Track team at our Senior Night meet on May 7th, at 3:45pm, at Peter’s Complex.