As the winter rolls in, the Oliver Ames winter track and field team locks in for another season. With high spirits from everyone on the team, mixed with rounds of preparation and training, OA expects big from the upcoming season. Last season, the boys finished 3-2, placing 6th in the Hockomock Championship. The girls finished 5-0, placing 1st in the Hockomock Championship.
Confidence comes naturally for the student athletes competing for the winter track and field team. That same confidence is mirrored from the coach, Kyle Sousa, who has nothing short of a positive mindset towards the season ahead.
“This year’s team has a great mix of youth and experience. We have top notch leadership in our seniors and our captains, so we are feeling pretty confident. All teams face challenges, but I think we have the athletes and the focus to figure it out” said Sousa.
Along with Coach Sousa’s confidence, there is also a massive amount coming from the captains. In particular, senior captain Katelyn Lemanski, who was very excited and had nothing but the highest of regards when talking about the upcoming season and her team.
“I am very excited for the season. We have so much talent and potential, but most importantly we have determination. From returners training in the “Fall Method”, to new athletes joining track for the first time, everyone is showing commitment. Through their attitudes, discipline, and how they have pushed through our first few workouts, I can already tell this season is going to be a great one. I also want to shout out to my co-captains: Brie, Pat, Ben, Kensie, and Landon. They each have put in so much energy and commitment to the OA Track & Field program. We balance each other out and keep the team grounded. I’m honestly so grateful I get to lead with them. We are each so determined to help lead the team to success, and I am so eager to see all that the team will accomplish together.”
The same thing goes for the boys team, as it was relayed by junior captain Ben Mazzuca. The adoration he displayed toward the group of athletes that will be competing this year on the team was palpable.
“I think this year we are going to be very good. I think we placed second last year and it’s mostly the same team with a few new additions that will definitely help us. I also think that this is the most connected team I’ve been a part of from any sport I’ve ever played.”
