The track team at has had a strong season thus far, having competed at three competitive meets already and taking on Penn Wood High School on Saturday, the 19th, as this issue goes to press. The word competitive is no joke—the team is the strongest it has been to date, but while the Fords improve, so do their opponents.
Sixth Former Matt Yerger, a veteran on the team, said, “Five years ago, this team would have dominated the Inter-Ac. Now, we are fighting for third.”
To explore this, we go to Lexicon Timing, the site used to record track times. At the April 9th competition hosted by Springside Chestnut Hill, Haverford’s Fourth Former Chase Cobb took first place in Boys High Jump, followed by Haverford’s Fifth Former Henry Galia and Third Former Nathen Sofish. Galia also placed second in Boys Pole Vault, with third and fourth places also held by Haverford.
The Fords took first and second place in long jump, third through sixth in shot put, first in the 110-meter hurdle, first in the 100 meters, fourth in the 1600 meters, first in the 4×100-meter relay, first in the 300-meter hurdle, first in the 800 meters, first in the 200 meters, and first in the 4×400-meter relay.
These accomplishments are nothing short of exceptional. With so many first-place spots, track and field is a formidable team.
However, as Yerger echoed, the competition is strong. Fifth Former Ahijah Goins thinks this season prepared them for success.
“Throughout the season, we have been getting mentally and physically stronger,” Goins said. “The running conditions haven’t been great, but as a team, we’ve been working hard in the weight room and on the track. At this time of year, we look to be extremely focused as the important meets approach us.”
In order to build momentum in the midseason, energy must be high at all times.
“During meets and practice, the focus of the team is to be inclusive and engaged. We make sure the entire team is connected in a way that will help us get better,” Goins said.
This season has not been without challenges—one of the biggest, according to Goins, has been the weather. “It has been hard to run our best when it’s cold or windy, so we look forward to our performances in nice weather.”
As the season continues in full swing, the team is set up for even more success. The team members, their hard work, as well as the dedication of Coach James Hawkins have been instrumental in the formation of this close-knit team and their achievements. As they look to the future, the goals are clear.
“Some of our goals are to have a successful Penn Relays and medal as a team in the Inter-act and PAISSA Championships,” Goins said.