Paxon Track Runners: Prepped for Success

This year, the track and field team has come back stronger and is ready for success. The runners have been pushing themselves to strive for personal records and team accomplishments.

Each runner has their style, life, and individual differences. What makes each person unique, though, adds to the success of the team. Every student on the team has different goals for themselves this year.

“It’s senior year …. A goal I have is to win Gateway [conference championship],” sophomore Julian Lawson said.

Freshman Robert Sosa has shared a few goals of his own for the track season.

 “I want to jump 6.7 meters, and I want to go 53 in the 400,” Sosa said. 

“I want to make it to districts,” sophomore sprinter Odera Okafor said.

One of the biggest hurdles the track team has faced this season isn’t just running- it is staying healthy. Nearly every track athlete interviewed mentioned injuries as a challenge, highlighting the physical toll the sport can take on its athletes. 

Senior runner Tae’Ionna Banks specifically stated “shin splints” are a challenge.

Track and field is often seen as a purely physical sport, but for many athletes, the biggest battles happen in their own minds. Many members of the team expressed that the sport can easily take a mental toll on its runners. 

“The constant want to PR [set personal records] and run better can make me overthink,” Lawson stated.

Despite the setbacks and personal adversities, every athlete on the track team has something that pushes them forward. Each runner has found their motivation to keep going, even when the sport gets tough.

For some, the drive comes from the love and support of their families.

“My parents motivate me, especially my dad,” Sosa said. “My dad was a bodybuilder and a personal trainer, so he motivates me in anything athletic.” 

The track team has proven their reliance time and time again. There will be hardships and struggles in whatever you do, so it is right to expect that from running track. However, athletes have expressed their belief in not giving up and to keep running.

“Don't think, just run. Overthinking won't help,” Lawson said.

The track and field team is more than just a sport for its athletes. It’s a test of endurance, physically and mentally. With the right attitude and motivation, though, the runners can succeed. Paxon’s track team shows a mature side of athletes who have clear goals and know exactly how to accomplish them.