Girls on track for a great season

By Lauren Krauklis Reporter/Photographer The leading champions are on a blazing trail. The track is set on fire as female athletes compete, showcasing their strengths in the highly anticipated Girls Sectional Track Meet. Along with a sea of determination and talent, the girls leave spectators with amazement and hope with their speed and high motivation. 

This year’s sectionals unfolded at Minooka High School, showcasing powerful techniques from the girls’ running and proving the diversity and inclusivity within the track sport. Overall, track is a very supported sport. Teachers and students alike attend track meets to watch them and show love and support to them.

“I believe the track is a great sport because it improves other important measurable such as strength, and track and field athletes can train for an event of their choosing, and they can also train for a variety of other events. This allows them to become more in tune with other different skill sets, resulting in improvement all-around track and also gets your heart rate moving and pumping, which is also good for your body and helps you to build strong bones. They nailed it.” Said A’mya Wilson, A freshman who supports the track teams within the school.

The sectional track meet brings together athletes from various schools across the district to compete in a range of track and field events, from hurdles to sprints and long jumps. For others, it’s more than just a competition; it serves as a platform for girls to showcase their talents, do what they enjoy, make friends with others, and break records. 

“I am proud of the way the ladies competed not just at sectionals but all season. I am also proud of all of the young ladies who get the chance to represent us downstate this weekend. The one moment that sticks out is the relay, where Adrianna comes out of nowhere on the last leg to help us qualify. Good luck to Adrianna, Lauren, Morgan, and Tamryn!!” Said Walter Vesper, a freshman social studies teacher who has been said to attend track meets for both girls and boys, 

Beyond individual achievements, the meet also celebrated the collective efforts of teams to support and uplift each other.

Evelyn Stolzenbach, A freshman who is a part of the track team for girls, discussed a memorable race and achievement in her track time that she is proud of. “The last race had a personal record in the 3200. I ran a twenty-four-second-person record, and that was mentally challenging for me for several reasons. It was a rough day, so just to run through all of that and achieve that great of a personal record is a really good memory.” 

Tameryn Farmer ran a 100-meter and 200-meter to the grueling 4x100 M relay and 4x200 M relay. This proved her talents and determination to young athletes. Each event saw fierce competition and flashes of emotions as athletes pushed themselves to new and exciting levels. Morgan Gillespie hit a triple jump along with a long jump, then ran a 4x100 M relay and 4x200 M relay with a smooth dash. Adrianna Wright and Lauren Glover had run 4x100 m and 4x200 m relay. The fours are our girl’s track and field state qualifiers and will be competing at the state championship meet at Eastern Illinois University. 

As the sun sets on that day, it illuminates the faces of exhausted but exhilarated athletes. The girls’ sectional track meet draws to a close, leaving a legacy of empowerment and athletic excellence. In a world where differences often divide us, events like these prove a powerful reminder of strengths and unity that can be found in pursuing shared goals and dreams that bring everybody together.