Off to a Running Start

By Ethan Molifua

Running isn’t just for fun. Most people say they hate running, but not athletes who go out for track and field.

“Running isn’t all that bad. If I have a bad day, it is like a stress reliever,” said Jeralyn Poe (10). As a freshmen, Poe went to state for track. “Going to state for any sport is really blood rushing. It is so amazing seeing and hearing the 10,000 people plus supporting all of the other track athletes out there,” said Poe. “I want to go to state this year, not because I want to win medals, but I want to put a good reputation on North Star. By the time I am a senior I would like to be at the top of the record boards, so it can give a younger athlete some motivation to do better.”

Being a varsity athlete is not easy. You may think you have the ability to be on a varsity team, but is talent all you need? “I like to have athletes that can compete against others, but I also like to have athletes that can be supportive of their teammates,” coach Matt Musiel said. “You can say that it is all about talent; to be honest it is always good to have a couple of people that have heart. Heart is something that you can’t teach, so someone that has it is always good to have.”

Running can help you stay in shape, but eating healthy always helps too. “No sweets. No soda. No meat,” said senior Shatice Archie. “As a vegetarian it is hard to get protein, but I like to have peanut butter, and beans. When I get into track season, I eat a lot less carbs than I would for another sport. Overall, while I’m in track I tend to eat more healthy than I normally would.”

Some seniors are ready for the year to be over, but to some seniors, leaving isn’t always the easiest thing to do. “Since I am a senior, I don’t want to be the one to not give it my all,” senior Kyle Crowder said. “I would like to be the one to leave a legacy; a legacy that won’t be forgotten. As a senior, it is my duty to help the young ones train and get better as they move on.”

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Off to a Running Start