The FCHS outdoor track and field team kicked off their season with perhaps the biggest track event since the school opened in 2012: its first home meet in years. Every member of the team dominated their events, and many new personal records were set. This set the pace for a season that has seen numerous highlights.
At the team’s latest meet at Louisa, Garrett Jordan won the 400m race and placed 7th in the 100m, Ruby Frazier placed 2nd in the 1600 and won the 3200m race, Charlotte Gunther placed 7th in the 100m hurdles, Anna Amato placed 8th in the 400m, Ellie Portman placed 7th in the 3200, and Ellie Garrett placed 7th in the discus.
This season’s team is led by coaches Melanie Kennedy, Arlene Rodriguez, and Robert Burger. The coaches continue to lead the team through different workouts and activities to improve their skills in running and field events. One of the most well-known sayings among the team is what Burger often reminds them: “Run fast, turn left.” It’s a constant reminder of a sport that never seems to end.
“Track is the type of sport that is all year round. You have to keep consistently training to peak at the right times during the three seasons of cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track,” said Frazier, who represented FCHS at the New Balance Nationals Indoor meet in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 12-13.
The new track at FCHS was a costly investment, but it is a welcome addition for the Fluco runners and will enable FCHS to host the regional meet in May. Meanwhile, the team is planning to travel to Woodberry Forest, Appomattox, Western Albemarle, Rockingham, Goochland, and Louisa for their next meets.
It’s not work, however, with team members making a point to encourage each other and keep spirits high.
“Track allows for the brain to shut down for a small amount of time, focusing on nothing but the steps that you’re taking, the people with you, and the direction you will go. This mental reset increases productivity and helps you build friendships on a team that truly feels like a family,” said team member Noah Day.
