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Sports
February 2O22
TRACK RESURFACED TO HELP RUNNERS
Article by David Hull Photo by Anna Miliotes
As runners return back to the track for the new season, they look to break records on a new surface. Over winter break, the track underwent modifications after 15 years of deteriorating during countless meets and practices. The resurfacing was a four to six week process where the new crushed rubber surface was placed on top of the old track and given a fresh coat of paint. The soft surface gives runners a boost on and off the track with better times and more support. “It’s probably one of the nicest tracks in the area right now,” Athletic Director David Langdon said. “What they’re going to do with this will be phenomenal, both aesthetically and functionally.” Along with the new track comes a new Head Coach, Mike Rogers. Rogers has been a track coach at Trinity for the past 12 years. He has mainly focused on hurdles amongst other jumps, but Langdon said he has complete confidence in Rogers after watching him for the past eight years. The majority of tracks regularly last between ten and twelve years. The track has been in use for over fifteen years and Rogers said it was in dire need of a renovation, given that he has
Senior Hannah Yared tests out the brand new track. As a hurdler, she is excited for the upcoming season and running on the track during practice and meets.
seen the track decline over his time as a coach. ceive the uses of it, as far as going on and off “It was definitely starting to show its age,” of it, even the training carts have to enter a Rogers said. “We started getting some cracks certain place and stay on the grass, things of and holes, and it was hard to read some of the that nature.” markings on it.” Langdon said that the track will help keep The signs from the aging track heavily af- runners’ joints healthy after running long disfected runners’ health and performance. Junior tances. Rogers thinks that it will not only have Carlos O’Connor was especially excited to get a physical effect on the athletes but also a menout on the new track and was thrilled with the tal effect. improvement. “I think it’s psy“During practices “It’s probably one of the nicest chologically going there were holes in to help pump them the track so it was tracks in the area right now. What up,” Rogers said. easy for your ankle to they’re going to do with this will “There’s definitely get tweaked or slip,” to be some be phenomenal, both aesthetical- going O’Connor said. “But changes with how running on the new ly and functionally.” things feel and how track is super comthings look. Overall - David Langdon, Athletic Director it’s going to be a great fortable and cushy.” There will be new experience.” rules implemented to ensure that the track Rogers has enjoyed getting to see the sturemains in great condition. A major change dents he trains succeed and is looking forward will be keeping vehicles like training carts to a great future on the new track. and maintenance off of the track. According “Seeing kids get better and reach their goals, to Langdon, some regulations are still being whether it’s something small or something debated, such as how cars will remain in the big,” Rogers said. “Some kids I work with from homecoming parade. the time they’re in eighth grade all the way to “There’s gonna be a lot more paying atten- graduating seniors, seeing that progression has tion to where you go on and off the track,” been really fun.” Langdon said. “So it’ll change how people per-
