While basketball seems to get the most attention, there’s another team at Jackson-Reed that deserves recognition: the track team.
“We’ve gotten to nationals and state finals. We’re a good track school,” says Chike Lynch-Huria, a sophomore JV jumper on the team. Runners say that the team environment is supportive and motivating, pushing them to their full potential.
The team is huge, consisting of nearly 60 student-athletes—32 boys and 25 girls, and the runners on the team see the size as a strong community that they are part of. The members of the track community are incredibly passionate and dedicated to the sport, and they work together to push every individual on the team to achieve their full potential: “I’ve been really pushing myself through the season and I really think my teammates and things of that nature have been trying really hard and and I respect the effort they put in,” Camden Ray-Crawford, former team member stated.
Track is a sport in which it is important to focus on individual improvement. When a runner races they must only focus on how close they themselves are to the finish line—nevertheless the JR team still puts every effort into pushing each other forward and making sure each and every person on the team is successful. The success of every single teammate matters because that is what gets a team as far as they have gotten. “I’m looking forward to making a new personal record for myself and just being the best racer I can be,” says sophomore Milana Kebede. She’s just completed her spring tryout after having to leave mid-way through the winter season for medical concerns.
These recent spring tryouts are a stressful time for runners because even though many members had previously made it onto the team for the winter season, that does not guarantee them a spot on the team during the spring. All runners need to give it their all if they want to make the team. Even so, the track community is there to support all their team members and even after roadblocks, they are always there to encourage their teammates. “We all get to come together and do something we all love, even if most days mental health can take over…We cheer for each other and congratulate each other even after bad races,” says senior Yalix Lina, a sprinter and hurdler on varsity.
The team also appreciates the support of their coach who always pushes them to perform at their best. Chike Lynch-Huria(sophmore sprinter) says, “Coach Dom is a very supportive and kind coach, and he’s always willing to push students extra.” A team’s coach really sets the vibe for the team and it can show in players’ performance when it’s time for a meet.
“Dom is a really cool guy, a very good coach. He really knows how to coach his team and keep everyone pushing,” Camden Rayford said after his first winter running track. The same thing was thought by long-time runner, Milana Kebede (JV sprinter) when she stated, “I have a great experience with Dom he’s very friendly, he definitely puts us to work but I know it’s all for our best interest.”
Overall, the JR Track team’s persistence and team spirit has not only brought them to Nationals, but created a close community. “It’s a very nice and fun community to be around, when you get to know everyone, you get to hear everyone’s laughter and true personality,” says Lina.
