On March 25, YLHS recognized their track and field seniors at their most recent meet against Villa Park. Like any other sport, Senior Night marks the important day where our seniors will compete on home turf for the last time. These seniors experienced after school practice, worn-in running shoes, the grit of the track, and the sound of the wind in their ears. The sun was constantly beating down on the baking ground. The thrill of the race, the burn of the body working, running, jumping to its limits, the roar of the crowd, the beat of the music, and the joy of their friends is what kept them going. What makes Senior Night so heart-breaking is leaving all of that behind.
Track and field is all of this and more. It’s a special sport where you compete by yourself while being part of a team. On the track, in your lane, it’s just you against the clock. But when you cross that finish line, friends will always be waiting.
The meet itself was exciting. Track meets host a lot of diverse events, so whether you’re watching high jump, long jump, relays, distances, hurdles, or sprints, you’re bound to find good competition. YLHS performed well against the solid Villa Park team, taking first in the girls 1600 meter and second and third in the girls and boys 4×400 meter relay, among others.
It’s not just the place that holds value in track and field, though. Tina Chen (12), a long jumper, points out that she enjoys “seeing [herself] improve so much, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. It’s just satisfying.”
After the meet, senior athletes and families gathered for all 35 to be recognized. They were able to walk across the field as favorite memories of the team were read over loudspeaker, Chen’s being when friends of hers gathered to sing “I Want It That Way” after practice to cheer her up. This demonstrates the undeniable friendship that track can bring and bonds that will last beyond their high school stadium.
After ceremonial pictures, athletes were able to take pictures at their leisure, and seniors and underclassmen mingled to share a laugh, a cry, or a good memory. Zoe Turner (12), an accomplished 400 and 4×100 meter sprinter, explains that “being a senior is bittersweet because I’m excited for the next steps, but I’m also a little sad that mostly everything I’ve done this year has been my last time, so it really just encourages me to make the most of it.” She points out that Senior Night is special because she’s able to spend it with the friends she’s met along her track journey.
The bonds of friendship are a common theme when asked about the highlights of track and field, but Dylan Alvarez (12), a 400 meter sprinter, notes that the track is “a place where I can relax and not have to worry about academics or college.” School and the future don’t have to run alongside these athletes when they are on the track. All they’ll find is self-improvement, satisfaction, fun, and endless support from the sidelines. Turner adds that “I love being [my friends’] cheerleaders for their events and always appreciate the support they show me during mine.”
Although the seniors leaving next year is tough to believe, they will be moving on to bright futures. Turner even says that “track has shaped me into a better person because I learned to put in the work every day, even on the days I didn’t feel like it. In the end, I developed a stronger mindset in both track and in school.” Track creates strong athletes with strong minds, and there is no doubt that they will succeed in their plans beyond high school.
They hope to see incoming students take interest in the sport they enjoyed so much. Chen states that “yeah, I would recommend [track and field]… We have great coaches and people here are so nice, and I just love hanging out with my friends.”
So, although Senior Night was bittersweet and tinted with the feeling of departure, it can be seen as a night of accomplishment and joy. The athletes recognized that night had a positive experience that shaped their high school life for the better, and it will only improve their futures. We send off our YLHS seniors with encouragement, letting them know they’ll always have friends cheering for them on the sidelines.
