Big Squad Could Lead to Big Gains for Girls Track

One can assume that most sports teams would love to have the problem that Schreiber High School's girls track and field team faces this season — a large, deep roster with a nice mix of upper and underclassmen — as close to 70 girls prepare for the spring season.

"We're very excited about this season," Coach Virginia McMahon said. "We have a new track and a great turnout this year."

Now in her fourth season as a member of the team, senior sprinter Stephanie Mejia said she has never seem a team with this many athletes. She explained that many returning team members are trying to teach the newcomers the workouts and at times it can become a bit confusing and frustrating.

"Having almost 70 girls on the team is a bit overwhelming, but I'm getting used to it," Mejia said. "The number will definitely go down, because usually girls tend to realize that our team is intense and requires a lot of dedication, but having this big of a team allows us to find more great runners to participate in more events at meets."

Senior Maddy Fisher agrees that McMahon and assistant coach Maya Brakhman have their hands full getting the team ready to compete. "Coach McMahon has to organize and train all of the girls," Fisher said. "Another consequence of having this many teammates will be learning everyone's names, getting the attention of your teammates, and getting workouts started. Since there are so many girls, it will difficult to unite the team where everyone supports one another like in previous years I've been on track."

The team only lost three seniors last season, so there will be plenty of experience on the track as the Lady Vikings look to unite in their quest to become Conference III champions.

"It's great that so many people are becoming interested in running and in track and field," said Katelynn Catalano, a senior who runs the 1500 meters and, on occasion, the 800 meters. "The popularity of the team this season means a wider pool of talent and potential for success."

While most of the girls admit that the number of teammates they now have is overwhelming, many seem optimistic about having a large team. "I'm pretty sure it's the most we've had in high school since I've been on the team," said hurdler Elise Ressa. "However, it's great because you get to be with so many different people."

Senior Eliza Feldman said herself and the other upperclassmen are working their hardest to get the team and its newest members ready for their first meet, this Wednesday, March 24, at Syosset High School.

"My goal is to be as welcoming to the underclassmen and new team members as I possibly can," Feldman said. "I attribute a lot of my familiarity with the sport as well as being on the team to the seniors who took me under their wing when I was a freshman."

Ultimately, with the abundance of teammates to shuffle around and train for events, the Lady Vikings are very optimistic about their chances this season.

"We're going to have an awesome season," Ressa said. "A lot of times with track, the number of the kids on the team is an advantage and there's no cutoff like having nine people on a baseball team. When we're going up against schools with enormous track teams, it can get pretty intimidating, but I think this year, we'll be ready for them."