The Seton Hill University (SHU) Track and Field team is leaping over many hurdles to be the best, and their hard work is beginning to pay off.
Both the men’s and women’s teams spent some of their spring break in Myrtle Beach for competitions and plan on working just has hard in their regular matches. “We just returned from our trip… where both teams set a combined 17 new school records. The freshmen we recruited have really filled in the holes where we were weak, and the returning team members are continuing to get better,” said Mike Poiarkoff, a junior.
By Chelsea Oliver,
Sports Editor
Rachael Rodriguez
Contributor
The Seton Hill University (SHU) Track and Field team is leaping over many hurdles to be the best, and their hard work is beginning to pay off.
Both the men’s and women’s teams spent some of their spring break in Myrtle Beach for competitions and plan on working just has hard in their regular matches. “We just returned from our trip… where both teams set a combined 17 new school records. The freshmen we recruited have really filled in the holes where we were weak, and the returning team members are continuing to get better,” said Mike Poiarkoff, a junior.
“I expect the season to go very well. Coach Creamer did an excellent job with the new recruiting class. The freshmen that have come in have already been very impressive. Also, the returning athletes are showing unbelievable improvement,” said Marcus Thompson, a senior.
“I am very optimistic about the upcoming outdoor track and field season. Both teams are working very hard and I expect them to both be top three teams,” said coach Tim Creamer.
Though both the men’s and women’s teams are doing well and have great futures ahead of them, one thing may stand in their way to success. “The worst part about being on track is not having a real track to practice at. The track above the basketball court in the McKenna Center is a hot, square, death trap and the Greensburg Central Catholic track is only half a step above that.” said Poiarkoff.
“The indoor concrete track was really bad on everyone’s legs, leading to pretty severe shin splints. We are finally able to be outside, but we have to commute to Greensburg Central Catholic to use their track. Although we are fortunate to have somewhere to go, it’s not the greatest track for us to practice on,” said Julia Whidden, a freshman.
Even with the problems with the track, the two year old track team is not letting that hold them back from making some of the greatest bonds they could during their season. “The best part about being on the track team is being on a team with other people who are passionate about the sport,” said Jay T. White, a sophomore.
“We have a lot of fun and we are becoming very close very quickly. It’s also always good to feel accomplished after a track meet and having people there to support you,” said Whidden.
“The best thing about being on the track team is definitely the people. The whole team is great this year. There is a lot of down time at track meets, so being with people you like is important, and this year’s team is stocked with hilarious, fun people,” said Poiarkoff. “Most of my memories from this year’s season will most likely not be about my times, heights, and distances, but about the fun things that I do with the team.”