On April 1, Poland Bulldogs Varsity Track and Field had their first track meet of the season. Many athletes have been participating in track and field since their 7th grade year, and they continue to work harder every year to get better throughout their high school career. I wanted to talk to some of the athletes to hear about their goals, accomplishments, and some of their favorite memories they have made so far with their teammates. 

First, I talked to freshman Ryan Kollar. Ryan said one of his favorite memories so far throughout his track career was “when we won the NE8 championship in 8th grade.”

Kollar participates in shot and discus, but he says discus is his favorite because he finds it “…more fun”.

One of Ryan’s biggest goals this season is to “throw 110 feet in discus,” and he said, “I will accomplish this by practicing consistently.” 

Then, I talked to Sophomore Jocelyne Salaty. She participates in “…the 4×8, 800, and sometimes the mile and the 2 mile.”

Salaty said, “I have been doing track and field since my 7th grade year.”

Salaty has set some goals for herself this season such as “…to always cross the finish line no matter how beat up I feel and always try to shoot for a new personal best.”

She said, “I am going to achieve these goals but going into a race with a good mindset.”

Finally, I talked to Sophomore Oliva Noble, and she said she participates in the “1600 (1 mile) and the 800 (half-mile).”

Noble said her favorite event is ‘’The 1600 is my favorite because pacing yourself is much easier.” 

Noble has been “…running track since 8th grade.” Her “…mile time was 8 minutes, and my half-mile was 3:25.”

Noble’s main goal this season: “I would like to PR [Personal Record] at least one more time in each event before the end of my season. I just have to give it my all for the final weeks of the season!” 

Overall, the Poland Bulldogs Varsity Track Team has had a successful start to their season and the athletes competing are eager to see what this season has to offer for them. These athletes will continue to give their all and display good sportsmanship.