While 2020 may have brought plenty of adversity and challenge for numerous sports teams, many of which have had to undergo changes or cancelations due to the Coronavirus, the CPHS track team is still gearing up for a new season in hopes of becoming district champions. Junior Mark Lucas is setting the bar even higher this year and hopes to break his own record despite the unprecedented challenges. 

“My goals for this season are to break 4:30 in the mile, which is a huge goal of mine,” Lucas said. “I love to compete and track is one of the oldest sports. Racing another [person] is like a battle of mind and body and it’s unlike any other sport out there. The thrill of passing someone is unmatched.”

Due to the number of teams that can compete per meet being cut down to only eight in total, which includes both varsity and junior varsity, teams will have to work even harder if they plan to make an impression. For sophomore Isaac Plotts that means a rigorous training schedule starting as early as 5:30 a.m. and mental battle in order to get himself ready to race.

“I get ready for practice and usually get four to nine miles in, depending on whether we have a workout or maintenance run,” Plotts said. “After that, we have core and strength training after our maintenance run. About a week before every race I mentally prepare myself. I usually take all my allergy medication, stay hydrated and talk with the trainers if there’s anything that’s been bothering me. Mentally I visualize my goals, imagining the race stride for stride and I stay positive knowing that I’m gonna run my own race.”

One member of the team, junior Erika Arthur feels that regardless of what challenges the team faces pandemic or not, she has confidence that the team will remain diligent and ready to compete. The team already got some practice with the Tri-meet on Feb.  3, and she believes that the team is ready. Their next official meet is on Feb. 18-19 and will be split between varsity and JV teams.

“I enjoy track because of the competition,” Arthur said. “I love being competitive and having other girls push me to be a better athlete. I think track is different from many other sports because we have a bond that is very rare, there is blood sweat and tears left out on the track every morning and every afternoon. If it weren’t for our team coordination I don’t think we would be as strong as a team as we are”