The Warrior track team (4-0-0, 4-0-0) swamps the Lancers to continue its undefeated season.
ON TRACK FOR VICTORY: Sophomore Bethany Arabe pushes herself ahead of opponents to create a comfortable lead and snatch a quick victory.
Photo by Ida Kazerani
Overcoming cutthroat competition, the Warrior track and field team (4-0-0, 4-0-0) defeated the Sunny Hills Lancers April 12. The boys triumphed with a score of 69-58, while the girls trounced opponents 96-26.
After the boys’ team ran sluggishly in the 400-meter run, senior In Hauck Choi crossed the finish line of the 3200-meter race eight seconds before two Lancers. In the 800-meter sprint, senior Paul Yoo built a sizable lead for a two minute first place finish.
The Warrior boys also excelled in the hurdles dashes, with junior Tye Hernandez placing first by a hair’s breadth in the 300-meter hurdles event. Despite ceding first place in the 110-meter hurdles race, junior Christopher Chapman and senior Ahmed Srass pulled through with second and third for a total of four points.
Dominating shot put and discus throw, the Warrior boys field team swept the two events with senior Matthew Nicolas and sophomore Norris Bach placing first with scores of 38 feet and 123 feet, respectively.
The vigor and determination of the Lady Warriors prevailed as they placed first in all but the 3200-meter race, discus throw and 400-meter relay. Sophomore Bethany Arabe darted for a victorious finish during the 400-meter race, and junior Veronica Chen took first in the 1600-meter run. In the long jump event senior Janelle Piraino crushed her opposition with a one-foot advantage, and junior Cidney Stallworth led the ladies in the high jump, leaping up 4.67 feet.
Despite their victories, the Warriors struggled against the harsh wind that buffeted their performance and concentration, Head Coach Chris Blume said.
“When you’re doing long jump, running into the wind and trying to [cope with] the wind blowing in your face, it’s going to have a negative impact on everything,” Blume said. “The [times] were a little off. We were still able to get three or four more kids qualified for [preliminary rounds] for the Freeway league, and that was good for us.”
The Warriors’ intense preparation and impenetrable mindset impacted their performance, Chen said.
“[Warriors] performed really well because we knew Sunny Hills was tougher competition than the first two [schools we’ve run against], and the coaches are so keen on always practicing,” Chen said. “I think everyone gave their entire effort.”
According to Blume, the team attributes their constant improvement, preparedness for challenging competition and success to the strong bonds between each other.
“We have great team unity,” Blume said. “We all practice together; it’s just how track is set up. Our more experienced racers get along great with the freshmen and the sophomores, and they [act as] coaches as well. Sunny Hills always has a strong program, and we knew it was going to be a major test. We prepared for it together, and we had the success that we desired.