With a large number of veteran runners returning to this year’s squad, the girls track team is ready for another memorable season. Led by Coach Jocelyn Confino, Coach George McFarland, Coach Henry Oestreich, and Coach Lloyd Hill, the girls team placed second in the BAL last year before clinching the district title over Dock Mennonite—this before advancing to the state championship with a strong set of senior runners. 

When commenting on last year’s impressive season, Coach Confino states, “We are coming off a 2024 district win last year and are led by seniors Kaylani Barnes in the sprints, Idara Umoh in the jumps, Hallie Kees in the javelin, and Ella Clipston in middle distance and hurdles.” Coach Confino also notes that the girls team had several district winners and state competitors, including junior Jessica Cooper, who is defending her district title in the discus, and senior Hallie Kees, who medaled at states for javelin.

With many accomplishments from last season, every athlete is looking forward to training hard in hopes of replicating last year’s success. “One of my biggest challenges this year will be in discipline, particularly in small activities like stretching or drinking water,” comments sophomore Alex Confino, a hurdler and 4x400m relay runner. “The discipline of the season from the beginning really starts to show at the end of the season, especially with the stretching as flexibility is such a major aspect of the hurdles.” 

Additionally, sophomore long-distance runner Kate Painter states, “As a distance runner, I am prone to getting shin splints, so it is key to rest and avoid injuries.” Being one of the few girls running long distance, Kate was a member of the 4x800m relay team, along with sophomores Hazel Paulson, Sasha Nelaturi, and senior Ella Clipston—all of whom received Second Team BAL recognition last season.

Fitting well with the challenges of daily routine, the track season has focused on the theme of discipline or being “all in” as their goal to improve with every practice. As Coach McFarland remarks, “This means that we are more than athletes developing our own skills; we are one in our effort to perform at the highest level.” He also points to Colossians 3:23, the team’s theme verse, which ties in nicely with the theme of discipline: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” 

Ultimately, the girls track team is ready to take on another season, building off last year’s district win and involvement in the state competition. With a mix of seasoned seniors and driven underclassmen, the team is focused on improving each and every day through a strong sense of teamwork and determination.

Coming off of a very successful 2024 season, DC boys track hopes to make much progress this season. These young men will be under the guidance of Coach “Doc” McFarland. assisted by Mr. Henry Oestreich and Mr. Lloyd Hill. In addition, there are several returning seniors who wish to end their careers on a good note. 

According to sophomore Matthew Thompson, “I am very excited to see what we are able to accomplish this season after such a successful season last year.” Matthew was one of the few returning students selected to go to the Penn Relays last season. Fellow sophomore Jake Matty says, “I’m very excited to get back into running, and I'm excited to be with a new team.” Jake is one of many new athletes who have joined track and field. While a total of fifty-eight athletes will be running track this spring, many of these are among the varsity boys.

This season, all the athletes are looking to conquer the goals they set for themselves last season. Sophomore Matthew Lawrence remarks, “One of the main goals this season is to get faster and stronger in the weight room.” On the other hand, sophomore Caden Shute, one of the many long-distance runners on the team, states, “I want my long-distance time to improve and my endurance to go up and to stay healthy this season.” 

Certainly, DC track and field is no easy challenge. Practices typically occur five times per week and are two hours long. As sophomore Andre Kremin explains, “ When I started track last year, the practice felt long and tiring, but now, in my second year, the practices fly by and are not as hard.”

This season the boys are prepared to take on any challenge that approaches them. With the upperclassmen being able to mentor the underclassmen, the team will benefit from a good work ethic and determination. With these great attributes, boys track anticipates having a successful season this year.