Nardin Track and Field

Riley Smith '24 ~ April 2022

The Nardin Academy Track and Field team is one of the most successful and sizable teams at Nardin. However, many students are unaware of the nature of sport and the legacy of the school’s program.

The idea that Track and Field is just for runners is one of the most common misconceptions, as the sport attracts diverse athletes with different skill sets and abilities. Athletes who are strong, agile, fast, or all of the above, have the opportunity to run, jump, or throw their way to the All-Catholic titles. They come together, training around the neighborhood, in the fitness center, and at the fieldhouse. The throwing athletes workout lifting weights in the new fitness center to prepare for shot put and disc events, while the jumping crew works on their form for the triple and long jump. Even the runners break up into short and middle distance groups, working on core, hip mobility, leg strength, or stamina, depending on their abilities.

Although the events in competitions are done individually, with the exception of relays, it is still very much a team effort and atmosphere. At meets, the athletes compete for points that are tallied for the team win.

The team nature of the sport does not end there. Each individual encourages others. As the short distance sprinters work out on Tudor, cheering can be heard for everyone, and the same goes for the long distance runners as they pass around the block. The team warms up, cools down, and brings it in for a cheer every day at practice, creating an inclusive family atmosphere.

Tess McCloud, a second-year team member, emphasizes how much the team means to her.

“To me, the track and field team is inclusive and supportive to everyone on the team, and everyone has such long lasting bonds,” Tess said.

Nardin Academy Track and Field is so much more than individual runners: it is a family filled with diverse athletes, who not only care one for one another, but push each other to achieve their goals. Perhaps this is why the Nardin track and field team has enjoyed a 4-year All-Catholic victory streak.

Title Photo: GMS Photography