With the inception of the 2026 Track and Field season, athletes across a multitude of events have pushed themselves beyond their limits to prepare for the strenuous journey ahead to state.
Although this team has the most athletes on the roster, it is an individual sport that pushes the mental and physical bounds of each competitor; the star athletes on this team have persevered and found a way to set themselves apart from the rest of the competition.
“I just focus on myself, and I don’t worry about anyone else around me. I perform for my family, myself, and for God,” said Kyleigh Adams, sophomore.
A consistent factor in every elite program is that the team is being pushed to reach the main goal at the end of every race, throw, and leap: setting a personal record.
“[After setting sophomore record], that felt great, actually, I knew I had it in me…every time I PR, I’m just happy with where I’m getting, and happy that I know I can still run faster than I am right now,” said Brecken Bellows, sophomore.
The culture that surrounds this program continues to motivate and inspire. Even though track and field is rooted in the prowess of individual contenders, OHS Track and Field is a family that shares an understood camaraderie from sprinters to throwers.
“The environment of track is really special, because you really get a family…a bunch of friends that support you,” said Carson Hall, senior.
This uplifting environment has been cultivated from the coaches down to the program, and with a diverse coaching staff that specializes in multiple areas, the performance of athletes this season has blossomed, meet after meet.
“In track, you deal with so many different personality types, and talking to each one of them individually helps you get a better sense of what you need to do to strive to succeed as an athlete. I think that they all have a way of shaping you. Some are better at teaching you different skills, and some are better at motivating you,” said Emma Terrel, junior.
As the season unravels and State approaches quickly, every athlete will not be defined by their records but by the bonds and memories made. Whether they set a school record or finish in dead last, the OHS Track and Field team will continue to reach for greatness as a family.
“It’s a very special team community, because it gives you a bond that a lot of other sports don’t have, because even though everyone’s doing their own individual events like jumps, throws, sprints, you all come together,” Terrell said.
JV:
The JV team carries the same mentality when approaching competition and understands the value of a strong team atmosphere focused on getting to the next level.
“The people there are really nice and accepting,” said Kwame Appiah, freshman.
With a sport unmatched by any other in terms of mental and physical stamina, competitors must push themselves and cultivate a dynamic attitude towards personal growth.
“I try to keep my mind off of people watching me and try to think that I’m competing for myself and not for other people,” said Ryder Comstock, sophomore.
The coaches carry an equal amount of importance at the JV level and consistently pour into athletes who are new to the sport and face a lot of uncertainty in competition.
“My coaches have changed and impacted my perspective on performance and just overall improvement by helping me gain a positive mindset and showing me that there aren’t just going to be good days, but bad days also,” said Nicole Lugoj, freshman.
For any students new to OHS looking for a place to be active and make major strides in their athletic capabilities and capacity, OHS Track and Field is the place to go.
“It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and get in shape for whatever sport you have next [in the offseason],” said Kiley Olson, sophomore.
