Academy’s runners are catching their strides. After an exceptional finish last season with multiple state qualifiers, a 4 x 800m state championship, a 300m hurdles state championship, and an all- around men’s team state championship, this year’s athletes are entering the season with high expectations. As two-time state champion, Jack Lint’14, states, “As long as we stay healthy and work hard, there is no reason we shouldn’t return to states.”
Kelly Parker, the girls’ head coach, is implementing more individual training and making practice more personal. To train her runners to become faster, Parker says, “We are certainly still a team, but I want to make sure everyone is getting the individual attention she needs.”
Seniors Aziza Corbett, Anji Kanwar, and Sarah Timko, who qualified for last year’s states, and the outstanding talents Margaret Sutton’14 and Julia Rizk’15 should catapult this team to a new level, especially with Hana Sinno’16, who hopes to replace Jackie Spence in the 100m hurdles.
Seniors Dominic Facciolla, Tyler Gittins, and Alleluia Tyus, and experienced juniors, Jake Tuckerman and Lint, have competed at states for the past two years. Ben Dahl’15 and Logan Baker’16 are expected to fulfill key roles on the 2013 team. Dahl says, he is “looking forward to pushing himself to achieve the highest level of fitness he can.” With this buoyant attitude, the boys should make an impact come states.
Two weeks ago, a few track members competed in an indoor meet at Kent State University. Rizk and Lint were both standouts. Rizk ran an impressive 5:24 mile while Lint placed 6th in both the 60m hurdles and 400m dash. The Vikings certainly left a lasting impression at Kent before returning to Columbus.
Our track team has strong throwers, fast sprinters, and durable distance runners in every grade and on its way to another state championship.
Written by Lee Solomon’14 and Cam Taylor’15
