Winter track braves the cold

By Emily Seeburger, Staff Reporter

They’ll do it through rain, snow, sleet or shine—and we’re not talking about the postal service. They are the Conestoga winter track team, and for the past two months they have been running through the uncomfortably cold conditions in preparation for their weekly meets and, hopefully, a lengthy post-season.

As the team begins its warm-up, it’s apparent that it has considerably more members this season than any other year in the past. With more than 100 newcomers, ’Stoga track has a current count of close to 200 participants, easily larger than any other team at Conestoga.

“I remember when I first started coaching we could fit our entire team in the trophy room,” head coach Ryan Comstock said. 

Now, the same team that was once able to stretch in the 750-square-foot area is forced to split into two different factions on either side of th track for their stretches and drill routines: girls on one side of the track, guys on the other. 

For many, their reasons for joining the team came to a resounding consensus: They love to run. And the team is hard at work, setting their sights on the upcoming season: districts, states, and for a few, even nationals. But they all have one goal in common: Run fast. 

“I’d like to go to states and really like to go to nationals, but I have to focus on the present and just run if I want to get to that point,” senior Shonté Kennedy said. 

The girls 4×800 relay in particular has immense ambition for this season. After winning both indoor and outdoor states last season, they achieved All-American status. After losing only one member of the relay, they are returning with a double title to defend. The boys 4×400 relay, with a strong all-senior showing, is also hoping to go far during the upcoming meets this season. 

As the only sport at Conestoga that takes place during all three seasons (cross country is run in the fall),  track has a following unmatched in year-long dedication. But, although meets are held at various indoor facilities, the name indoor track remains a complete misnomer. Practice is always outside even in the bitter cold, often mixed with various stages of precipitation. But ’Stoga track never lets the weather stand in the way of its success.  

“We always try to kick some butt, even when it is cold,” junior Adam Rodriguez said.

Emily Seeburger can be reached at eseeburger@stoganews.com.

Printed originally on p. 21 of The Spoke’s Jan. 12, 2010 edition.