The track team got to wrap up their season by having eighteen qualifiers in state events, which include four relays and three athletes that participated multiple events. The Division One State meet was held on Friday, February 16th; three days after the official state qualifiers were confirmed. This gave the athletes three days to prepare for their competition against other teams in the State, working hard in order to improve their times.
Like other meets, excitement and some jitters filled the bleachers where the team located themselves. For some, such as sophomore Ezra Kruckenberg, making it to States was the goal of the season.He explained, starting his track career, he never had any knowledge about the sport and now in Kruckenberg’s second year of indoor track. Not only did he make it to states with a personal record, but also places 12th place which was “better than [he] expected.”
Breaking personal records is what most really strive for. There is not one athlete that “there was anyone who didn’t break a personal record on Friday.” Coach Londino said. The boys 4×800 shed two seconds off their previous record and the girls 4×400 made a terrific come back during the second half of the race, stealing second place.
The only Malden High medal winners during the Division One State meet where Junior Shataeya Smith for shot put and Senior Rachel Eaglin for hurdles. “The best part of track is seeing how [athletes] improve and progress.” Londino shared.
Sophomore Isabella Machado attended states for the first time this year, sharing she didn’t think she “ever felt that nervous before in [her] life.“ Machado competed in the mile run, describing the feeling of when she crossed the finish line as “a relief even though [her] legs were sore. “In the end however, the best part is being surrounded by the support of the team”.
