Girls Track Right on Track

Jason Drapinski

The Malden High School girls indoor track team began the season with a victory against Everett. The team defeated them with a score of 53-32. This leaves many people with the question, “will this team be Greater Boston League champions once again?”

The team continues to strive for the GBL title and also for athletes with state qualifying times. The team’s win is great but according to English teacher and coach David Londino, “right now we are looking to strengthen the team.” The team is in a good position to do so too. There is two weeks until their next meet. On Jan. 18, 2011 the team will be facing Cambridge Rindge and Latin.

The Cambridge meet will be tough for the team. Cambridge is a big rival for the girls indoor track team. They are always the opponent to look out for since “they are a strong team in all areas, from throwing to hurdling to distance,” stated senior Haley DeFilippis. The team will try to keep their focus, to pull out another victory.

The team continues to push itself forward as they get closer to GBL’s. The team works themselves everyday enduring long workouts. Even during the vacation the track team was up and ready to start running every morning. Track requires a lot of commitment and focus, according to DeFilippis, “you have to push your body past its limits. You always have to be striving to be better, whether that means running faster, jumping higher or throwing farther.” Every second counts and one must be on the ball at all times, or they could come in last. In the end of the day it is worth it to put in all those hours of training and practicing because it can “ be very rewarding if you meet your goals,” states DeFilippis.

The indoor track season does not confine itself only to running. Other events include the high jump, shot pot and 50 meter hurdles. This year sophomore Kim Du is a new hurdler. At first Du never wanted to hurdle, “ [she] did not even want to go near a hurdle”stated Du. Then coach Jamie Green thought she would make a great hurdler. So, Du gave it try and actually ended up liking it. Du is still getting used to the techniques of correct hurdling. For her the most difficult part of hurdling is keeping her form, “since [she is] new to hurdling, [she still is] learning the techniques of hurdling, so [she struggles] with form.” Du continues to practice hard so she can improve her hurdling.

Everybody is giving their all this season, to make sure the team will be GBL champions once again. As much as the team would love to win, they want to make sure they are having fun at the same time. At their meets you will always hear their fellow teammates cheering them on. The girls team is like a family. DeFilippis states that one of the best feelings is “to see others improve and grow.” She loves to watch her teamates in other events breaking their personal records, because even though it is a individual sport, the team is always there to support each other.

Girls indoor track has started the season on the right note, and they seem to be moving on the right track. The team continues to strive for the GBL championship title, as well as to move onto the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) state meet.