Many people recoil at the idea of running for fun, especially running in the cold for fun. Now pair that with inevitable face-plants while jumping over approximately 3 feet tall hurdles. Senior captains Makayla Winslow and Sophia Luo have been doing this for years as part of the hurdling squad on the YHS winter track team. Let’s catch up with these veteran hurdlers as they jump into senior year.
What inspired you to join the winter track team in the first place?
Makayla Winslow: I originally wanted to stay active during the winter, I didn’t have any experience nor expectations going into my first Track season.
Sophia Luo: What inspired me to join winter track was after having so much fun doing spring track freshman year. I picked up on hurdles during spring very quickly, and hearing that winter track also had hurdles but half the distance I was very excited.
How has being part of the team shaped your high school experience?
MW: Track is a community that has supported me for all four years of high school, and we always welcome new athletes. It has supported me both on and off the track.
SL: I made genuine friendships with people I would have never been friends with if it weren’t for track. This shaped me into being more welcoming, especially with other students.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from track?
MW: Track has taught me perseverance. There will always be bad days or bad starts or challenges that arise. I’ve even fallen on my face more than once, but I am incredibly proud to say that I have never not finished a race.
SL: Thinking about your problems makes them bigger.
How have you seen yourself improve as an athlete or person over the years?
MW: My time in my event has gotten faster over the years, but most of all, Track gave me the confidence to help others learn the events I compete in and give advice to help them improve.
SL: I saw myself improve physically, by hitting new PRs every year, and also mentally by becoming more empathetic and supportive towards my teammates.
What’s your favorite memory from your time on the winter track team?
MW: There are so many great memories to choose from, but my favorite is the Big Chill Relays that Yorktown hosts. It is always cold and often rainy, but it is one of our greatest team bonding experiences.
SL: My favorite memory was when we were on the bus ride home after a long meet, and the entire team decided to sing along with the music.
How would you describe the team culture?
MW: The team is incredibly supportive regardless of which even you compete in. Ever since freshman year the team has always cheered me on every single race.
SL: We have a very big team, however I believe everyone will cheer on each other in races no matter if we are close or not.
What advice would you give to underclassmen or new members of the team?
MW: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t worry about what people will think when you’re learning, and most of all, you are never racing against the people next to you, you are always racing against yourself. If you are getting better, then you are winning.
SL: Track is hard. Don’t think it’s a simple sport since it’s just running, track is very tiring and a lot of commitment.
What’s your favorite event, and why?
MW: Hands down, 55 meter hurdles. It is my event and it is the best event. I love practicing with my friends and we have the best motto: “Just get over it”.
SL: I like hurdles because it takes more thought than just sprinting. You need to determine when you jump, how many steps you take in between, and your position.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
MW: My pre-race rituals always involve talking to people on the starting line. I make new friends every meet and every athlete always offers each other encouragement.
SL: Before every race I do a random dance. It helps me since I get very tense and nervous, and the dance allows me to loosen up and calm down.
How do you plan to stay involved with track or fitness after high school?
MW: I will either run for a track team in college or I’ll run by myself.
SL: I hope to join club track and field if the college I end up going to has one. I also believe I will continue to run when I have free time.
What will you miss most about being on the winter track team?
MW: I will miss the people and the coaches.
SL: I will miss my coaches and teammates. I believed I truly bonded with them, and hope to continue our friendship even when the season comes to an end.
