Track and Field: Starting the Season with Speed

By Nico Roig, Staff Writer

// With a record number of members and high expectations to live up to, the Acalanes track and field team (2-1 men, 1-2 women) jumped into the new season on Feb. 5.

   The Dons officially kicked off the season on March 6 in a dual meet against Clayton Valley, where both the men and women brought home the win, with scores of 88-48 and 63-41 respectively. 

   Following a successful first meet, the team took on Las Lomas on March 13. Men’s varsity came up short with a score of 66-70, and women’s won 74-62.

  Overall, the track team has high hopes for success this season.

   “I am very excited about our team this year. I have asked previous head coaches what the biggest teams they’ve coached have been, and I am very proud to say that the biggest number I’ve heard is 150 - 20 short of this year’s 170. [Coaching is] certainly a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for even more Acalanes students to find out how great of an experience track and field is,” Head Coach Joe Escobar said.

   While a large team is beneficial for the program, maintaining bonds with the group can be difficult.

   “I think our biggest goal every year I’ve been here is trying to stay a family. The one constant we have is, no matter what event you do whether it’s pole vault, throws, sprints, or distance, everyone warms up and does a team break together to remind each other we are a family,” senior Paul Kuhner said.

   After a successful season last year, expectations remain high for the entire track program.

   “I expect our girls and boys teams to compete for division titles and the DAL Championship on May 5th. We have many school record holders on our roster this year who expect to compete at the state meet, and I hope they can inspire their teammates to reach the same level,” Escobar said.