With all her experience with track, senior track star Olivia Schwenger has never thought there would be a season without a physical track; however, that has changed this year when the decision to redo the Woodland track and field was finalized. 

Woodland´s track has not been updated since the opening of the school until now. Before the decision was finalized, there was some controversy between many members of both Beacon Falls and Prospect, some voted for turf and others voted for a quick fix. 

Schwenger is excited to announce that the track season will still be in session, despite the technicalities like holding practices in the Woodland parking lot and they will utilize the track at Oxford High School when available.

“I do not think practicing in the parking lot gives any advantages to Woodland runners because we would not be fully ready for meets and we also do not have any structure to our practices,” said Schwenger. “They should have rebuilt the track during the summer because home meets are very important for our student section and parents know that Woodland is an easy drive.” 

Although the circumstances are not ideal, Olivia is excited to begin the season anyway. 

“I am a big athlete and I wanted to participate in track when I joined Woodland.  I saw all of the different choices they offered and realized it was something I wanted to pursue in my high school career.” Olivia has been doing track  since her freshman year and has been an integral part of the team.

“I hurdle and sprint as well as some mid distance, my favorite event has to be the 300 hurdles.”

Last season, Olivia made it to states for 300 hurdles, 100 race and 400 x 4 relay. Despite not placing, she had an amazing experience and opportunity to participate in track states. One of her favorite parts of her track experience was the friendships she made along the way, she had many opportunities to meet new people not only from her own team but from other teams as well.

There is a place for everyone on the track team. As Olivia stated, “I have always wanted to throw javelin. I tried one year and it did not work out, so I do not think I would be pursuing it, but it always looks like something fun to do within my track career.”