The girls’ indoor track team continued to dominate at states. The Reggie Lewis Track swelled with the cheers and shouts of supporters as the girls raced by, clad in black and red. The high school’s girls’ indoor track team was competing to hold their eighth consecutive Division 2 state title.
To prepare for the state meet, the girls built their confidence through the races and conferences.
“It’s always tough, because we’ve happened to win eight straight indoor titles in a row, and that’s why we always have the whole state trying to knock us off,” said Coach John Griffith, head coach of the girls’ indoor track team. “But the girls go into those big meets with a lot of confidence. I think that the conference during the year and some of the meets in the earlier parts of the season help them get ready for the big meets,”
The upperclassmen and captains are role models for the underclassmen, fostering close relationships between the older and younger members of the team.
“I think the upperclassmen set an example that the younger athletes want to become someday. They’re very helpful to the younger athletes,” said Griffith. “It’s nice to have a program where freshmen and sophomores can work with juniors and seniors. Everyone works out together. So when seniors graduate, other girls want to step up as they get older and have the success that the upper class has.”
“I think that when I was a freshman and a sophomore, the upperclassmen were really helpful in calming my nerves, because they had been through it already,” said Annie Comella ’25, one of the captains of the girl’s indoor track team. “As time goes on, you get less and less nervous. I think [the upperclassmen] were very experienced people and showed me the ropes.”
The team has several rituals including cheering and warm ups, a large part of helping the girls run their best. The welcoming environment of the team promotes hardwork and dedication from each of its members.
“In our event groups we warm up together before a race. For shorter distances, that’s drills, and for longer distances, that’s our one-mile warmup,” said Emily Bannon ’25, one of the captains of the girls’ indoor track team. “And when you’re separated by heat, the person behind you is standing right there, so they’re cheering for their teammates.”
“Running may be an independent activity, but you’re never alone” – ASICS Runkeeper. Photo courtesy of Emily Bannon.
“The girls’ team is incredibly supportive and welcoming. Everyone cheers each other on and offers encouragement, no matter what event they’re running,” said Lena Cardella ’27, a team member. “An example is during the 4×400 meter relay — regardless of who’s competing, the whole team is on their feet, cheering loudly until the very end.”
“I think something that Griff and I like to tell people is as long as you put in your best effort everyone’s going to be proud of you no matter what,” said Comella.
“The positive atmosphere of the team allows girls to push themselves to limits that they didn’t necessarily know they could. Everyone works together to be as successful as they can,” said Griffith.
The specification of event groups allows runners to learn from others who have more experience on the team, passing on useful information just like a baton and building connections.
“The event groups are really helpful because you’re training with people running the same event as you,” said Bannon. “You have teammates specifically specialized for that event group who can pass on that experience to you.”
To the runners, track is a team sport. From states to practices, the girls always run as a team. Through fun team dinners, music-filled bus rides, sweaty practices, and tough races, the track team remains united.
“I think that even though [track] is a super individual sport, everyone else thinks it’s really important that we do everything together,” said Comella. “So that’s warming up and workouts. I think just having people to do this with is really helpful.”
“Before meets the entire team has a team dinner to fuel up and build spirit,” said Cardella. “We also always play music on the bus ride to get everyone hyped and excited for their races.”
“We try to get them together as much as possible to keep that team camaraderie going,” Griffith said. “Our motto is together and team. We consider ourselves a family.”
