Junior Sydney Wathen and Freshman Isabella Escalante both took to the track this year to help the team, improve their times, and develop friendships. But for Escalante there was more than that, it was the start of an exciting journey for her.
She could not help but feel a mix of joy and fear rush inside her as she laced up her spikes and took her first steps onto the track. “My first year was a little stressful to try to navigate a new team with new people, but everyone was welcoming, so it was fun.” Escalante said. The friendship of her teammates and the constant support of her coaches helped Escalante get through the early difficulties of adjusting to a new place.
As a senior member of that welcoming committe, Wathen agreed that the camaraderie that the team brings is fun and helpful to ge through a tough season. Her favorite parts this year were “[h]anging out with the sprint girls and going to the state meet because I [got] to stay in hotels.”
Wathen runs short distance on the track team tackling the 200 and 400. “The 200 is my favorite event because I am decent at it, and it is less painful than the 400.” Wathen also runs relays with her team, but she enjoys her open events more. “One of my goals for next track season is to PR in the 400 and 200 and make it fun for the underclassmen because I am going to be a senior.”
One of Wathen’s accomplishments for this season was being on the 4×200 at Howard Wood. Howard Wood Relays is one of the biggest meets, if not the biggest meet of the year so it is an honor to run in it.
Likewise, Escalante’s dedication and hard work paid off during the season, leading to a number of outstanding successes. “Getting PRs in the 100 and 400 were my biggest accomplishments.” She challenged herself in every race, breaking her own records and demonstrating her strength on the track.
Even though training and competitions were stressful, Escalante treasured the time she spent with her colleagues, creating memories that would last a lifetime. “My favorite memory was running a 4×4 with all my friends.” Throughout the high-stress races and intense exercise procedures, it was the connection and shared victories that genuinely made a lasting impression on her heart.
Escalante gave helpful tips to new freshman excited to start their own journeys in Stevens track as she looked to the future. “Advice I would give would be don’t be discouraged and stay focused and put in the work during practices and meets,” she said.
The girls team went on to finish third in State.
