girls winter track takes the conference crown

By: Kaela Miley

For the first time ever, the girls winter track team captured the conference championship title, defeating schools like Cold Spring Harbor, Friends Academy, Island Trees, and more. The win proved that hard work, depth, and determination can defy the expectations. 
According to Kevin Cotter, coach of Varsity Cross Country, Girls Winter Track, and Girls Spring Track and Field, what made this year’s team different from previous ones was its depth across a wide variety of events. “We were able to put ourselves into so many different events and score,” he explained, stating that OB had runners in tangential events (meaning events that not every school has runners in). While many teams have high numbers in traditional running events like the 300 meter dash, the 600m run, or the 3K, this team had strong athletes across the board- including events that are sometimes overlooked. For example, the racewalk, pole vault, weight throw, and triple jumps are events that not every school emphasizes, while for OB, they became major point scorers. The team had multiple athletes competing and placing in these events, creating a scoring advantage.
Another key difference was the athletes’ dedication. Team members were prepared to compete in multiple events in a single meet, and there were few absences or missed races. The relays were particularly strong this season, combining both speed and endurance. “Every relay team we had this year was really strong, and all placed in the meet,” Cotter said, highlighting the balance that made the team so competitive. 
What made the championship even more special was the adversity the team faced. The program graduated several key athletes last year, like a state-bound thrower and member of the school’s record-shattering 4x800 relay team. After losing so much talent, Cotter admitted he wasn’t sure the team had a real shot at winning the conference. However, new athletes stepped up in a big way. Anna Bakalis made an immediate impact, exceeding expectations. Hannah Vidro and Savannah Fortich contributed big points in the racewalk. Ava Cekovic showed she could compete at a high level in the 4x800 relay, and other athletes rose to the occasion throughout the season. With the foundation of strong preexisting members like Nicolette Lewis and Jocelyn Schadler, the team's strength solidified. Though the graduating seniors could not truly be "replaced," the new team members were instrumental in building a foundation that proved just as strong.
One of the most unique aspects of track and field is how many athletes can contribute to a team’s success. Unlike sports where only a few players typically score, track allows many individuals to earn points. “Everyone who scored even one point contributed,” Cotter emphasized. In total, more than a dozen athletes played a role in securing the championship.
In the end, the team had an incredible season. They had everything including talent, depth, resilience, and belief, to pull off something the school's girls' winter track program had never done: win the conference championship. It was a huge accomplishment that every member was a part of and should be proud of.