Track season is around the corner, and MACES Girls’ athletes are preparing for their upcoming meet taking place on Wednesday, March 25 striving for a successful season. Track is a spring sport involving running, jumping, and throwing competitions. It features events like sprints, hurdles, distance running, long jump, and high jump. Beyond the conditioning drills and practices, the MACES Girls’ Track team is fueled by a deeper purpose as they gear up for their season opener.

During the off-season they are to have conditioning. The team faced a rough patch in the start, as many athletes weren’t attending their conditioning sessions. “ We started with conditioning. I was worried  because not many of the students were showing up,” Mr. Hernandez, the head coach for track and field, said. 

The team practices for the entire week, with exercises and tech drills to help them improve their speed and form. Artega, who trains for short distance, a freshman, said, “We use drills like high knees to improve our running form, while also doing exercises like open-leg stretches.” 

Moving forward, athletes face difficult drills and specific events that require practice on a suitable track. It’s often difficult for the athletes to get quality practice on a proper track. “Our school is always at a disadvantage because we do not have an official full-size track where we have shot put, lanes, or marks.” Hernandez said.

Maintaining a high performance remains an obstacle for athletes. The journey is often a struggle, mentally and physically. “It’s a struggle sometimes, my mentality where I often think I’m not good enough and the physically demanding drills we do,” Leslie Cruz, a senior, said. 

Nonetheless, the athletes remain dedicated and united as a team. Their aspirations continue to rise as many of them aim to beat their records. Lara, a sophomore who trains for sprints, said, “I’m trying to achieve faster times and get new personal records, whether it’s be in individual or team events.”

The team is locked in and ready to compete. The athletes have developed a steely determination as they prepare for their meet. The team will kick off at Sotomayor on March 25, where they will face off against Elizabeth Learning Center, a K-12 school, Maywood Academy, and Sotomayor. High school. Despite a demanding preseason, the athletes are eager to compete. “It’s about their teamwork and dedication they learn in the experience of gaining skills,” Hernandez said.