In the past, The Gregory School’s track team has been quite strong and is on track to keep this going. For the past two years, the team has been led by Coach Kelly Thompson. He has been coaching for several years and has had a very successful athletic career, having competed for the USA Duathlon national team in the 90’s. This year brings high hopes for the team, as several of the members made it to the state competition last year.
The track and field team consists of two freshmen, three sophomores and four juniors: Terah Williams, Bobby McMahon, Skye Paulus, Emarie Sooter, Chris Allen, Michael Jansky, Justus Williams, Ivan Healy, and Marco Manzo. Almost all of the team will be sprinting this year, with the only exception being Chris Allen who will run the mile.
The four upperclassmen on the team are Marco Manzo, Justus Williams, Ivan Healy, and Michael Jansky. Williams has been on the team since his freshman year, Manzo since his sophomore year, and Healy and Jansky are new to the team. The players and coaches have many goals, but the main one is to enjoy the athletic experience.
Emarie Sooter and Skye Paulus are two standout members of the team. Both girls made it to the division four state competition last year and did extremely well for their first year. Sooter placed third in pole vaulting, which was impressive considering that the school does not have a pole vault for her to practice on. Her drive and commitment to the sport is admirable and is what will help her achieve her goals for the season. Currently, she can vault to 10 feet and 2 inches and her goal is 12 feet.
This year, both Sooter and Paulus will run the 100-meter sprint. Both girls have great aspirations for this season, Paulus hoping to run under 13 seconds and Sooter under 14. Paulus will also be running the 200-meter sprint, which she is aiming to complete in around 27 seconds.
Pusch Ridge will be one of the team’s biggest competitors this season, but Coach Thompson believes that with hard work and dedication, the team will be able to do well and have a joyous experience.
Track season runs through May, during which time the team will participate in various meets across southern Arizona. Come support this promising team at their meets on Wednesdays.
Written by both Emilia Emami and Ella Sturtevant