As track season hits, student athletes at Poway High push themselves harder than ever, mentally and physically. With Senior Night around the corner here at home, the intensity and team spirit are at an all-time high.
Senior Faith Gadzekpo, who has been a competitive gymnast for eight years, now shines in field events, specifically the shot put. “I’m working toward my goal of throwing 40 ft this season by honing in on my technique and channeling my power throughout the shot-put ring,” Gadzekpo said.
The relay teams also faced off against their Bronco rivals. Training is intense; the team practices handoffs every day after practice to make sure the flow is smooth.
Senior Hailey Vermilyea is part of the varsity and runs 4×100 or 4×400. “I’m usually the anchor, so I take on the final stretch. I either get the baton with a lead I have to keep or with a gap I need to close. It’s high pressure, but it can be very rewarding,” Vermilyea said.
Senior Shani Edelstein, who usually anchors the 4×100 or 4×400, said, “Running the relay has so much more passion because not only are you doing it for yourself, but also for the girls you’re running with. There’s a chemistry and excitement to it,” Edelstein said.
Junior Cooper Castleberry runs 1600m and 3200m.
“My current goals are 4:10 for 1600m and 9:05 for the 3200m by the end of the season,” Castleberry said.
Their next meet is at Westview on April 9, and they hope for some Titan support.
“Cheering someone on during their race can make a difference in PR for that person,” Vermilyea said.