By Joanna Harris, Staff Reporter
Conestoga’s Winter Track team participated in the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association state championship on Sunday, Feb. 25 at Penn State University. ’Stoga sent 10 runners and jumpers to compete in 6 different events, providing these students an opportunity to compete with other athletes at a higher level.
“I enjoy seeing the competition at states and I’m very proud of how my athletes executed their events. Indoor (track) is a very long season and I could not be prouder of how they all performed,” track coach Alexendar Foulke said.
Many of the events over the weekend required students to compete in a preliminary race before qualifying for finals. The boys’ 4×200 relay team placed fourth and qualified for nationals. The boys also set a new record at ’Stoga with the best finish for a Conestoga relay since 2010.
“In track, you’re not in a whole game by yourself, you only have a handoff to contribute, and we just have been so good at that recently,” senior and relay runner Charlie Henderson said. “Our team as a whole, over the years, has gotten so much closer, and we all know each other really well.”
The girls’ 4×200 relay placed ninth in the finals and qualified for the indoor New Balance Nationals. The girls set a new personal record, which is now second on the Conestoga all-time list.
“Knowing my teammates are working hard beside me, and also that we are just going toward a common goal is very motivating,” sophomore and relay runner Fure Abhulimen said.
In addition to the 4×200, Senior Lila Ziegler placed ninth in the 60m dash preliminaries, and Senior Calvin Jordan placed 11th in the 60m preliminaries. Both runners qualified for nationals. Ziegler also competed in the long jump finals, along with sophomore Nicol Bovanova, placing 11th and 20th, respectively.
“What motivates you is being rewarded. If you do well in the race, or if you PR in a race, it’s a great feeling,” Ziegler said. “All your hard work is paying off, and it’s good to get that reassurance that what you are doing is working.”
Joanna Harris can be reached at [email protected].
