Winter track season is in full swing, and the athletes are both dedicated and focused. Experienced track athletes and beginners work side by side to improve their skills and represent OHS well.
“Advice that I would give to someone that is new on the team is to stick with it because everyone likes to quit in the first week, so give it a chance before you judge. Don’t knock it until you try it. I have been on the track team for about 3 years now and I recommend it because it is good exercise and it also gives you something to do every day and it is good for your body,” said junior Carlie Bigley, an experienced track athlete.
“I have been on track since freshman year, and now winter season in my junior year. Advice that I would give is it’s something you should take seriously, try your best. Osbourn’s track team is a good way to get fit and train your body. There are many different things track offers like field events. Also running events, field events like jumps, throws, and more. I think that there is something for everyone on track.” said junior Laura Diaz.
Track can be an amazing tool for stress relief, whether the athlete is super-competitive or not.
“If I was to go to college, I doubt that I would continue to be on track in college but I would definitely keep it as one of my hobbies. I have a passion for track because it helps me manage my stress and let out the anxiety of school by just being around all my friends doing what we love,” said junior Jazmin Bowman.
According to Ms. Kalinowski, who is one of multiple coaches on the team, on December 2, at the Park View Invitational, the girls varsity team took 2nd place in the meet, the girls 4×200 relay team also qualified for regionals.
On December 9, at the Bobcat Blizzard, the school record was broken for the boys pole vault by Joseph Dalbo, and the school records for the girls 4×200 and 4×400 were also broken. Senior Sahnie Jackson qualified for regionals in the long jump, and Damani Epps qualified for regionals in the 1000 as well.
When asked about the winter track program, Coach Kalinowski said, “It is such a wonderful experience. The athletes give me something to look forward to every afternoon. Coaching is a lot of work, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs a person could have. Join! Even if you aren’t sure if you like running, just give it a try. Track is a very fun sport because you have the opportunity to compete as an individual, but still be a key member of a team. Everyone has different talents, and track allows people to find their best skills and keep growing. If you have plans on going pro in a sport like football or basketball, you should also be running track to keep your speed up in the off season. The track team this year is the closest we have ever been in my years of coaching. The team spirit is so evident at practices and meets. We communicate through an app called Spond. The app allows everyone to keep the meet schedule up to date, message with coaches, and sign up for volunteer events such as concessions. Though track is an ‘everyone’ sport, it is still a varsity level sport and we expect all athletes to come to practice ready to work. The coaches have goals and expectations and the biggest goal is to help form successful and driven athletes. Give track a chance, you might enjoy it more than you expected.”
“We just went to Liberty University on Saturday December 16, where Andrew Funk hit a PR in the shot put, freshman Lilly Donahue got a PR in the 300, as did sophomore Kee’niyah Jackson,” added Coach Kalinowski.
