Girls Track: Sweat, Sweat, Sweat and Sweet Victory

Track runners preparing to run the mile at the GBL. Photo by Casey Lyons

Senior captain Haley Defilippis running with determination. Photo by Casey Lyons

Alan Shootech
Kerry Ngan

Exhaustion, perspiration, and determination for running has never been an ending process for the girls track team as they work hard to the end of the season. Above all their strenuous work, some runners are still ambitiously prepared to transition into summer running. Nothing greater can match up to the confidence the girls have had as a team this season. Proof of the team’s improvement this season were their meets against Cambridge, usually a very tough opponent for the track team in general, but the girls gathered up their efforts and were able to beat them. All in all, the team have unveiled a new level of running and have  implemented an even higher level of hope into the members of the team.

One major motivation for the girls track runners is breaking their personal record.

Sophomore Jacqueline Bouley mentioned, “[She tries] to run faster than the last time every time [she runs] a race, and [she] always think[s] of long term goals such as qualifying for states, placing in division, qualifying for national silver standards, etc.”

Junior member Iris Feng shared her opinion and said, “Running is an individual challenge unlike other team sports…Breaking my personal record is my goal during every race and workout. [Coach David Londino] always says you won’t regret as long as you try your hardest but he taught us to never be satisfied with what we have because that will keep us from reaching our potential.”

The feedback from the team reflecting off their joyous season is presented among all the members despite any negatives they had to endure over the season. Londino said, “I do my best to teach the athletes that character, above all else, is most important in sports and life. As far as impact is concerned this is my main goal and I hope it impacts the way they live their lives now and in the future.” Not only does Londino generously offer his advice, but also reacts to an unfortunate departure of one of his star members. When asked about senior captain Haley DeFilippis, who is in her twelfth and final season, Londino stated, “who she is as a runner, leader, and person is extremely impressive, and I’m just hoping our young runners are watching her and learning from her while she’s here.”

Ending with a record of 3-1, the track team has had a great season. Qualifiers for states in the 800 meters race include Bouley and Lauren Benoit. Bouley mentioned how “…the freshmen girls as a whole have really improved. They have all stepped up and dedicated themselves since they started and [she] can’t wait to see what else they can do as they continue track [and] cross country.”