Despite record rainfall, flooding, and an unexpected amount of snow this spring, the AHS track and field team has kept their hopes high.

“We have a very good, well-rounded team this year,” said senior Landyn Johnson. Senior Will Adams and juniors Annie Atwood and Avery Hogan agreed. 

“Everybody really supports each other. During the races, everyone’s cheering for each other,” Annie added. 

Avery mentioned that the throwers have been scoring more points this year than they did last year. She’s looking forward to the meet against Kiski since the new Armstrong throwing coach is from there. 

Landyn, who scored two first-place finishes in the first meet of the season, is looking forward to the Pine Richland Invitational. His favorite parts about track are beating his records and placing.

“There’s no better feeling,” Landyn said. Will agreed. 

Annie’s favorite part is “seeing hard work pay off after a pretty gruesome workout.” Avery added that helping the underclassmen improve and watching them succeed is fulfilling. 

Landyn’s favorite memories from track include taking souvenirs from the meets. Will highlighted last year’s meet against Kiski, where he “pulled a throw out of nowhere and got first place.” Annie’s favorite memory was running the 4x4 with her older sister, former student Lily Atwood, and Avery’s favorite memory was going to the WPIALs as an underdog and placing fourth. 

Landyn, who played soccer at the time, joined the track team when he was looking for a new sport in tenth grade. Will has been on the track and field team for six years now after Mr. Frazer convinced him to join in seventh grade. Avery started throwing in ninth grade after her grandfather and Mr. Callipare convinced her to. Annie, who has been running from a young age, joined track in eighth grade.

Avery is the only one of the four who would consider joining a collegiate track and field team. 

What does the future hold for track and field at AHS? According to Landyn, Will, Annie, and Avery, it looks bright. 

“I can see a lot of the records we have here being broken. As time goes on, the team is gonna get better,” said Landyn.

“The freshman this year have a lot of potential,” said Will. 

“It’ll really grow. We have a lot of junior high kids and they’re willing to work,” said Avery. 

The key to track and field, according to Landyn, Will, and Avery, is determination. 

“Stick it out through all the bad weather and keep practicing. The only way you’re going to get any better is if you keep practicing,” offered Landyn as advice for the underclassmen. 

“Track is a sport where not every day is going to be perfect,” said Will. “Just keep your head up and keep pushing through it.

“Just keep working. Hard work pays off. Keep grinding,” said Avery.