This years’ Joliet West track team is having a great start to their season with great times coming from both the male and female sprinters and distance runners. The freshman and sophomores are stepping up to their A-game and the junior and seniors are maintaining their roles at the top. With success coming from everyone across the board the girls distance runners specifically stand out with the new records they are making.

Freshman Marina Rico runs on the varsity distance team. Her events are the 800 meter run, the 4X400 meter relay, and the 4X800 meter relay. When asked about how she is liking her first year of Joliet West track Rico stated,

“I really like track this year because in a sense there is more competition and the coaches are more involved.”

Being a freshman athlete on a varsity team is quite an accomplishment, and Rico will keep working and pushing to reach her goals and excel even more.

Maddie Blaauw is another freshman making a name for herself. She runs on varsity and got an amazing time of 5:47 on the 1600 meter run. Her endless dedication and drive to succeed will certainly lead her to many more successful races.

Juniors Charlotte Youell and Kiersten Perry are two returning runners who never cease to give it their all. Youell got 5:32 for the 1600 meter and Perry set a new indoor record of 12:20 in the 3200 meter. These two girls will make it far in their season, and the excitement to see their success will remain all season.

There is no doubt in my mind that the girls distance and the rest of the Joliet West track team will shine this track season. Rico said believes the team will go far and she expressed,

“I want everyone to know that this is the year we will prove that all our dedication and eagerness will bring us successful results”

And we are excited to be there for the team and watch them make their dreams and goals their reality.