Seniors stay for sixth track season

 

By Lindsay Allmon

When middle school track season begins, more than 50 seventh graders show up, ready to jump, run and hurdle their way through spring.

Six years later, however, the seniors in track can be counted on one hand.

“Most people drop out because the workouts are really hard,” Lauren Johnson said. “They get lazy and just don’t see the point.”

While the workouts change from day to day, one thing is guaranteed, there will always be a lot of running.

The five seniors who have survived six years of track participate in 15 different events. Kyle Jackson runs the 110 meter hurdles, the 400-meter run, the 300 meter hurdles, and does triple jump. Sam Temple runs the 100-meter dash, the sprint relay, 4x200 meter relay, and does long jump. Jared Welch runs the 100-meter dash, the sprint relay, the 200 meter run, and does long jump. Lauren Johnson runs the sprint relay, the 4x200 meter relay, and does triple jump. Taylor Higdon pole vaults.

All of the seniors said their parents have been most supportive throughout their careers.

“My dad always told me to just do my best no matter what,” Kyle Jackson said.

Some parents have assumed a more active role.

“My dad is always way into my event,” Lauren said. “He tries to keep me motivated.”

With six years of track memories, they’ve acquired friends and enough memories to last a lifetime.

“Adam [Rowell] broke his nose while he was pole vaulting,” Taylor Higdon said. “He got flung into the air and went face first into the metal box on the ground.”

Most seniors said that they used track mainly for staying in shape. Kyle Jackson, however, has found uses for his talents at home.

“It comes in handy when I have to chase cows back in the pens on my farm,” he said.

From the memorable bus rides to the countless adrenaline rushes, the five remaining seniors were there through it all, and over and over they have proved their dedication to track

“In middle school, everyone did it and I happened to be good at it,” Lauren said. “I stayed with it because I like the rush I get when I run.”

The season will end, but the memories will remain. Jared Welch said “the bus rides, telling jokes, and just messing around” are what he’ll miss m