The runner takes his mark. He claws into the spongy track with his cleats. He waits for the boom of the starter’s pistol–and takes off. Stride after stride, the runner continues to push, going as fast as he can in the long-distance race. He gasps for breath, reflecting on all the hard work he has put in. His opponents slowly drop back behind him until he wins the race
The Jesuit Track and Field team competed at the exclusive Under Armour Wes Kittley Invitational on January 20th, bringing only a few of their most skilled athletes to compete.
Freshman Henry Domine ’20, who ran the 3,000 meter race at the Invitational, enjoyed the “new experience of running indoors…[because] track felt really good.” He thought his performance was “a good way to start off the season,” and was pleased with the results. Reflecting back on the race, Domine felt that this race “was a good benchmark to see where I will be outdoors,” once the whole team reunites to run together against Highland Park at Postell Stadium.
Junior Alex Cano ’19, who ran in the 200 meter race, felt that he “did alright in the 200 meter.” Cano ’19 thought that overall the team had a really good meet, saying that the whole meet was a “good bonding experience,” for the teammates. Cano ’19, reflecting upon the meet, thought about how he “needed to improve [his] endurance because [he] couldn’t withstand the whole race.”
The head Track and Field Coach, Coach Robinson, was overall pretty pleased with the results from the meet.
“I was interested in introducing the guys to indoor competition and see how they performed in a big setting,” remarked Coach Robinson.
He felt that for the most part everyone performed pretty well under pressure, with Freshman Kyle Heckel ’21 and Alejandro Mejorado ’21 along with sophomores Gavin Martinez ’20 and Austin Wood ’20 all having personal bests in their respective events.
Field Events
Specifically in the field events, Coach Robinson emphasized how the “top performance was turned in by Wyatt Hummel ’19 in the shot put with a throw of 43′ 10.75.” Also in the shot put, Robinson thought that Tommy Roy ’20, with an 8th place finish, and Austin Wood ’20 with a ninth place finish, did very well in their events, showing lots of potential for future meets. Coach Robinson then said how in the “talent-deep field of the Pole Vault, Collin Lark ’19 and Jake Elrod ’18 turned in good marks, with Collin going 13′ 11.25″ and Jake topping 13′ 5.25.”
Running Events
In the highly contested running events, Travis Whisler ’19 took 10th place in the 800 meter race with a time of 2:06.39, while Henry Domine ’21 took 6th in the 3,000 meter race with a time of 9:44.98.
“I was very encouraged by the performances at Texas Tech, as it showed that our early training is paying off, and it offers promise for future big performances,” added Robinson.
Coach Robinson expected that as the team progresses to the opening meets of the outdoor season, “our guys will be prepared to compete for top finishes in each of their events.” To sum up the whole meet, Robinson felt that the athletes “raised their game and gave their best which as coaches is what we wanted to see.”
This meet showcased the potential of several athletes and portrayed the great amount of talent of the whole team. This early success indicates the beginnings of a very hopeful season.
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more Track and Field and other news!
