The track team competed in two meets this week on Thursday and Saturday. The girls team placed second and the boys won the Celina meet on Thursday. The runners broke a total of six school records.
“This year our team has been doing well,” sophomore Kailey Littlefield said. “Everyone is competing for spots on relays which is awesome to see and overall, I would say this is one of our stronger years as a whole.”
On Thursday, the girls team set two new school records. Junior Leila Ngapout set a new school record in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.06. The 4×200 meter relay consisting of junior Amy Morefield, Ngapout, Kailey Littlefield and freshman Mia Reaugh set a new school record of 1:42.54.
“Setting these records shows the importance of pushing myself at practice and how our hard work is paying off,” Ngapout said. “We were also running against the wind which was very heavy on Thursday, so we are very proud of our new records.”
Following Thursday’s meet, the team competed at an unattached Texas Distance Festival meet on Saturday. There were no team scores, but the runners competed individually.
“Even though we didn’t compete as a team, every meet is practice for the district championship in April.” head girls coach Carly Littlefield said. “These meets help me to know where to place the girls to score the most points and help them advance to area, regionals, and state.”
On Saturday, the team had four runners set new school records. Kailey Littlefield broke her own school record in the mile with a time of 4:55 and Morefield broke the 5k record running it in 17:45.
“My overall goal for this season is to win state in the 800 and place in the mile.” Kailey said. “Breaking my own school record in the mile on Saturday shows me how I’m improving and getting closer to obtaining my goal.”
On the boys side, senior Riley McGowan broke the 800 meter record with a time of 1:54.11 and senior Tate Barr set a new 5k record running 15:21.37.
“Throughout this season, everyone has been running hard, improving their times, and growing mentally.” Ngapout said. “The success at our most recent meet proves that.”
The team is sending the 4×400 meter relay to the Texas Relays meet coming up this Thursday, and a few athletes qualified to compete at a Jesuit meet this Saturday. The team is working towards the district meet scheduled for April 13. After districts, they will know which athletes advance to the area meet.
“Looking forward, I want to advance as many athletes as possible to the state meet in May,” Carly said. “I also want every athlete to reach their full potential as an athlete and a person. I stress community and team above all.”
