In the biting cold of winter, the track at Meridian High School transforms into a crucible of resilience as the winter track season unfolds. Senior Katie Anderson and Joseph Ziayee, at the helm of their teams, shed light on the unique challenges and triumphs that define the icy landscape of winter track.

Senior Katie Anderson: Bridging Gaps and Breaking Barriers

Senior Katie Anderson is not just setting the pace on the track; she’s leading a charge to make winter track an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. 

“My goals are to make it an inclusive and fun environment, especially for the new athletes, and also to hit some personal bests,” Anderson said. Her focus on fostering a positive team atmosphere resonates with the spirit of inclusivity.

Acknowledging the bone-chilling conditions, Anderson maintains that the team’s spirits remain high. “It’s been cold, but spirits are high, and it’s not too bad as long as you bundle up,” she affirmed. While the weather may pose a challenge, the team’s collective enthusiasm has become the driving force behind their shared journey.

Anderson, no stranger to the rigors of early morning practices, acknowledges the grind but insists that the meets have made it worthwhile. “Morning practices are never my favorite, but the meets have actually been super fun,” she revealed. 

When asked about the future of winter track, Anderson envisions a lasting impact. “I think it’ll definitely stick around. It’s a great bridge sport between cross country and spring track,” she predicted and highlighted the sport’s potential to attract athletes year-round. Looking ahead, Anderson expresses a desire for more indoor meets, envisioning a future where winter track commands a dedicated space within the school’s athletic landscape.

Joseph Ziayee: One Stride at a Time

Senior Joseph Ziayee adopts a more relaxed approach, taking each day as it comes. “I’m really just trying to take one day at a time. For me, winter track is an opportunity to stay in shape while having some fun. I’m not too stressed about my goals this season—I’ll worry about that during outdoor,” he said.

Ziayee acknowledges the camaraderie forged in the chilly conditions. “Yes, it’s been cold, but part of the process is training and getting out there, even when it’s not the nicest day,” he shared. The limited practice sessions per week only amplify the team’s collective energy, creating a refreshing atmosphere.

Reflecting on the meets, Ziayee finds them to be a different breed, compared to other track events. “They feel a lot more laid back compared to some of the cross country and outdoor track meets. They’re a good opportunity to stay competitive even if we’re not in perfect shape,” he observed.

Ziayee is optimistic about winter track’s future. “I can’t speak on behalf of the [Administration], but I really hope it does,” he expressed. “It’s a pretty minimal commitment compared to other sports and it’s really easy to get into.” With a surge in new participants, Ziayee believes that winter track is attracting a diverse pool of athletes, potentially securing its place in the school’s sports offerings.

Looking forward, Ziayee envisions student-led practices as part of winter track’s evolution. “Down the line, I’d really like to implement student-led practices on the days we don’t have official practice,” he said, emphasizing a balanced approach that accommodates the diverse needs of the team.

Anderson and Ziayee have been guiding their respective teams through the distinct challenges and triumphs that characterize this season. As the frozen track bears witness to their unyielding dedication, the enduring legacy of winter track at Meridian High School is ceaselessly inscribed into the annals of athletic excellence.

Coach Buck: Navigating the Inaugural Season

Coach Buck, with a keen eye on the program’s growth, shares his goals for the inaugural winter track season. “Since it is our first time ever having an indoor track season, our main goal is to have everyone learn and experience the events with a mindset of trying to improve with each meet,” he stated. The emphasis is on a collective learning experience, especially for newcomers to track and field.

Reflecting on the cold weather, Coach Buck acknowledged the challenges, especially at the Polar Bear meet at Brentsville. 

“Even though the practices and meets have been cold, so far, everyone has been very enthusiastic about the sport. It’s been great to see!” he enthused, highlighting the team’s collective passion for winter track.

Currently, most meets and practices are outdoors, despite the name of the club, which caused some confusion. However, Coach Buck was able to shed some light on the situation.”We have morning practices on Fridays, usually a combination of indoor and outdoor practice,” he explained, outlining the logistical challenges of accommodating a sizable team indoors. The transition to indoor competitions is on the horizon, with meets at college facilities scheduled after the New Year.

Peering into the future, Coach Buck aspires for the team’s increased competitiveness and potentially expanding the roster. “Further down the line, we hope to become more competitive as a team as we develop the program more,” he shared, pointing out that resurfacing the track and jump pits could pave the way for the introduction of pole vault.

In the challenging realm of winter track, Anderson, Ziayee, and Coach Buck form a unified front, each contributing to the vibrant narrative of Meridian’’s maiden indoor track season. Their distinct perspectives echo the collective determination and enthusiasm propelling the athletes through the chilly nature of winter track, solidifying its place as an addition to the school’s rich athletic tapestry.