On Track for Greatness: The Rise of Track and Field Participation

This year, the School’s track team has gained newfound popularity. Many can’t help but wonder, are the runners drawn to it solely because they enjoy the sport? Is it the team culture that attracts them, or are they just trying to fulfill an athletic requirement?

This spring sports season, 72 students have signed up for track. In contrast, there were 39 signups in 2022 and 46 signups in 2020. Director of Athletics Brendan Blakeley said that this season is “unprecedented in terms of interest for the track team. It’s by far the most kids that we’ve ever had sign up. When I started here 14 years ago, we literally had eight kids on the team.”

Some sports are full of students from one specific grade, but the track team is normally pretty balanced. According to Blakeley, students may try out different sports more in ninth grade, but “inevitably, in any kind of sport, particularly a sport with such a large roster, some people who try it in ninth grade won’t keep up with it in tenth.”

For example, when asked why she joined the team, freshman Emmy Mitchell said, “I needed a way to stay in shape for other sports, and I didn’t realize how tortuous running was until I was already signed up.” So she probably won’t be returning next year.

Sophomore Matty Kovecses began doing track this year. He says, “I joined so I can get my speed up and stay in shape. I think it’s cool, but it could use more organization.” In the past, runners have described the track team as being pretty organized, so it’s likely that the increase in players is contributing to this season’s lack of structure in terms of keeping track of attendance.

Likewise, senior Isabel Sade joined the track team for the first time this year and seems to be having a good time. “Track is a great way to get exercise while spending time with friends, and we, [as seniors], don’t really get homework anymore. I’m enjoying it so far.”

There doesn’t seem to be one solid answer as to why the track team gained so many new members this year, but the participation is definitely valued among faculty and the student body. Not only does it increase the chance of victories for the school, but also it provides an opportunity for students to display school spirit.