Coming off of a strong winter performance, where both the boys and girls team placed 2nd overall in the Hockomock League Championship meet, the Oliver Ames Track and Field team looks to keep this momentum up into the spring season.
Last year in the spring season, the team had a plethora of athletes that had great finishes at both Hockomock and state levels, many of which are returning as seniors, juniors, and a few sophomores.
When asked how he feels about the team coming into the season, head coach Kyle Sousa is excited.
“I feel like we have a really strong core of veteran athletes who will set the tone early. We want to start the season really strong, especially from a training and practice standpoint. We have to make the most of our practice and training time in the early phase of the season.”
Captain Brie Antebi had lots to say about her responsibilities as a captain and goals for the season.
“Being a captain for this team is such an honor. It is such a rewarding experience and everyone cheers on their teammates, no matter if you sprint, run distance, or throw.” says Antebi. “I’m super optimistic about the team as a whole. So many people have shown up to practice and are ready to work.”
Captain Patrick Dunlap commented on his happiness about the many new members of the team.
“There’s a lot of new faces and it’s always exciting to see where they’re all starting. Overall, I’m very hopeful, we have a lot of great athletes and I’m expecting so many great things from this team.” When Pat was asked about the team’s mindset, he simply responded, “The team’s mindset is locked in.”
The team has a ton of athletes to look out for this season, with many preparing to have their best season yet and aiming to help their team win and be competitive all around. Coach Kyle Sousa provided a list of athletes you should keep an eye on.
“Lavender Kozaka is coming off two 2nd in New England finishes (55m and Long Jump) in the winter season, plus some pretty huge school records in both.
Mitchell Callender was Hockomock MVP last spring season, and this past winter completed a historic season in the shotput, winning Hockomock, State, All State, and New England titles.
Landon Sarney is the defending State Champion in the 2-Mile, and has now been a state champion for three consecutive seasons. He will look to leave a mark in his last season at OA.
Katie Beaulieu was one of the highest scoring athletes at the indoor Hockomock Championships, and will threaten in the distance events all season long.
Ryleigh Maher shocked the Hock in the 600m in the winter season and is on a sophomore tear.
Patrick Dunlap has emerged not only as a top hurdler, but as a top 400m runner, and this spring he will combine those skillsets in the 400m hurdles.”
Needless to say, the Oliver Ames spring track team believes that they will be extremely successful. They aim to win the Hockomock championships, and Coach Sousa had this to say about the team.
“Each season is different. Each team is different. What I can tell you is that I expect this year’s squad will carry the torch extremely well. They learned from some exceptional upperclassmen in recent years, and now it’s their time. That might be what I’m most excited about. This group will carve their own way, and they will both reflect the legacy they inherited and make it their own.”
