As the weather starts to get slightly warmer and windy days turn sunny again, students that participate on the track team become eager to get outside and get moving. Although the team lost a few assets from last season because of graduation, the upcoming season looks promising. 

As well as the seniors that the team lost, a valuable coach was lost due to retirement. Mr. Thomas Hickey retired at the end of the 2022 school year, leaving a school and team that appreciated him dearly. This season, the team will be coached by Freedom’s very own Woodshop teacher Mr. Dave Badamo and Chemistry teacher Ms. Debrah Evans. Other teachers helping out include Ms. Miranda Lasher, Mr. Ron Kelm and Officer Pullen.

Nearing the end of the 2022 season, various students qualified for the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) competition. One of the final meets at the end of the season, the WPIAL meet, was held on May 18. Individuals in the top 16 of their specific fields were invited to this WPIAL individuals meet, which was held at Slippery Rock University. The qualifiers that proceeded in the competition during the previous season include now alumni Joshua Pail, seniors Trenton Heasley, Finley Paxton, Julia Mohrbacher, juniors James Couch, Jaden Winterhalter, Shaye Bailey, sophomore Aurea Hickenboth,  as well as the four-by-four team that consisted of juniors Maddison Meyer, Morgan Keller, Bailey and sophomore Riley Tokar. The representatives from the track team that went to this meet competed to the best of their ability and were striving for a place and title. 

Although students have been out on the track practicing for almost over a month now, mandatory practices started in early March, which is when the team officially started to prepare for their first meet. This year, the team will take on Central Valley on Wednesday, March 15, away at South Side High School for their first scrimmage of the year. The following Thursday, March 23, the team will take on Beaver and Beaver Falls on our very own home track and feild. This is the second year that the school has been able to hold home meets for the track and field team, which is exciting for students.

“This year, my goals are to make this season one to remember, make states for the 3200 meter race and possibly break the school record,” said Couch.

Many of the students and track and field participants are hopeful for the upcoming season and have a good outlook for the approaching meets.