As we return to school in the new year, winter sports are in full swing. Track and field is a sport that is calling you to be a part of! Track and field is open to anyone of any experience level. With a broad range of events to participate in, every student can find something they have interest in.

Students have the opportunity to try any and multiple events to seek their passion. Atherton’s track and field team has sprinting, distance, jumping, throwing, and field events that are coached by Rashid Derricks and Brian Hancock.

Indoor track and field kicks off the season with meets at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center every other Wednesday until the beginning of March. Once spring rolls around, outdoor meets will take place at high schools around the city until the end of the school year.

Preston Goodwin (12) is excited to reunite with the team after months of off season training.

“I do long distance, and I’ve been doing it for four years now, so I’ve gotten really close to some of the people that are on the team. There’s a lot of great people on it,” Goodwin said.

New members keep the team’s dynamic flowing and strong. Olive Aiono (9) is running track for the first time and is looking forward to the new experience.

“I’ve already met a lot of really amazing people throughout these experiences and this helps me connect with them. Especially because we’re with each other every day after school, we really get to know each other, and that’s just something really special,” Aiono said.

Track and field is an opening to a world of new adventures and friendships. Internally, it changes the expectations you set for yourself and your work ethic.

Aiden Michael Tilton (11) gives a piece of advice to people trying track and field for the first time, as well as those returning.

“Even if it gets hard, keep pushing through it because it will get easier and you will get better,” said Tilton.