The runners are heating up at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
This year’s winter indoor track and field season started on November 25; however, track runners have been training since the end of their season last year. There has been a surge of competitiveness among the track runners, with one desire in mind: to get faster.
During the off-season, a large majority of runners from the boys’ team joined the high school’s cross-country squad, an amazing sport to build stamina and endurance while also making new friends along the way.
Freshman runner Pon Kamalesh Rathinam was a part of the cross-country team and reflected on his experience.
“I liked the cross-country season. I made lots of friends throughout the season and it helped me get ready for the track season,” he said.
Girls’ track runners see high hopes for the season ahead of them. Sophomore runner Sophia Liu gave her insight prior to the season.
“I’m super excited for this year’s winter track. Even though the season only started last week, it was super fun running and catching up with some friends. I’m even trying out a new event. This year, I’m hoping to reach new PR’s (personal records) in sprints and hurdles,” she said.
Varsity runners are also ready to make their stand in the 2024-2025 year. Each year, every runner hopes to make a notable improvement or progression that develops their abilities as an athlete.
On December 11, the team’s first meet took place in Ocean Breeze, New York; it was a massive success. In this meet, coaches selected their runners to compete in Staten Island. Runners from teams across many different high schools prepared in their initial season weeks diligently for a chance to compete at the relays.
Both the boys’ and girls’ track teams made stellar placements at the 2024 Gardiner Relays. The boys’ best placements were a fifth place in the 4×200 relay and fourth place in the 4×400 relay, while the girls’ team ran to a fifth place in the distance medley and fifth in the 4×200 relay.
This year, varsity runners are very proud of their performance. Runner Jishnu Kalaivan spoke on the meet.
“I can tell this year’s season is going to be a good one. This year everyone tried their hardest and it was a really good experience in general,” he said.
Track runners at Bridgewater-Raritan High School are raising spirit this season and are looking forward to a tremendous experience in their next major meet.
