Irvington’s Track and Field had their Senior Night on Wednesday, April 2, and their final full meet on April 16, closing out a successful season. This year, with over 160 people on the roster, track and field saw significant improvement across categories, and sent many on to MVALs.
“This year in general has been a good season,” said Linna Sha (11), a three-year track athlete. “I broke both my 100m and 400m PRs. I ran a 1:07 400m and went sub 14 in the 100m, with a 13.91. This was a goal I’ve had since freshman year, so it was very fulfilling when I finally achieved it this season. ” She notes that the supportive team environment and positivity made a big difference. “Because athletes spend a lot of their time waiting for their events or warming up at meets, it gives us a lot of time to form close connections.”
The team saw marked improvement this season. According to Coach Tebow, “There are some really good freshmen that have been punching above their weight. The distance team has also been really consistent this year, and we have a lot more depth.” For the first time ever, Irvington also has its own throwing program under a new coach, Mr. Mendez. As a result, the number of throwers has grown to over 20.
Despite these positives, there are still improvements to be made. Coaches and players highlighted two key challenges: frequent injuries and a lack of accountability. Sicknesses and injuries hinder performance and often prevent athletes from competing at meets. Many can be prevented by maintaining proper technique and by warming up and stretching. Coach Tebow mentions that it is important for athletes to “listen to our training protocols and not overdo it” in order to stay healthy. Accountability was also an issue. The people who saw the most progress are ones who showed up most consistently. When athletes skip practice, they not only slow their own progress but can also disrupt group dynamics.
For the 25-26 school year, track and field will be implementing minimum performance standards. Mr. Tebow explains this decision: “It’s hard to come up with a training program that’s suitable for such a large variety of levels. What’s good for my fastest sprinter may not be good for my slowest sprinter.” Previously, the team has accepted anyone who signs up, resulting in [too many students]. “A smaller team will be more focused and structured, allowing students to train more effectively. “
The team had a strong season and is positioned for even greater success next spring. For those considering joining the team, track and field offers a unique experience due to its large range of events and emphasis on individual performance. As captain Abraham Chao describes, “on the track, it’s just you. There’s no one else to make up for you if you’re not performing well. Track and Field pushes not only your physical capacity, but also your mental capacity.”
