In the Winter, one of the various sports that takes place at Woodland is indoor track. Indoor track consists of a wide collection of dedicated athletes who each have their own love for the sport. In the spring, outdoor track on the other hand is one of the few sports that is in season at Woodland during that time of year. While each sport has their share of similarities, it is also important to highlight their differences and how the two compare and contrast.
First, let’s state the obvious, indoor track meets are held at indoor facilities. Along with this, the indoor team tends to practice around the second floor hallway (unless conditions are favorable enough to practice outside). The only coaches in indoor track are Coach Jeff Lownds and Coach Bill Ferrare. Indoor track tends to be a relatively smaller group of athletes, as basketball, weightlifting, and boys swimming all take place in the winter. Also, a typical indoor meet tends to consist of about 15-20 teams.
“During indoor we are most likely running at Hillhouse in New Haven,” states senior Alex Farr.
When looking at indoor, it is important to assess each group of athletes. The middle-long distance runners have a variety of events. Indoor offers a 1600m run, 3200m run, 600m run, 1000m run, and a 4×8 relay.
The only true jumping event in indoor track is long jump. Senior Laci Davis recently joined Indoor this year after triple jumping in outdoor track.
“It is nice in indoor track to get more one-on-one attention with coaches,” Davis stated.
For the sprinters, indoor offers a 55m dash and 300m, along with a 4×200 and 4×800 relay.
In outdoor, Coach Lownds and Ferrare are also joined by Coach Mario Longo and Coach Mike Sirowich. The outdoor team has all of their practices outside on the track, while the meets take place at various high schools with tracks. The sport tends to be significantly bigger than the indoor team, for both boys and girls. Due to baseball and tennis being the only other Spring sports, those who play other sports get drawn into outdoor track. A typical outdoor meet usually consists of two other teams.
“During outdoor we go to many schools to run and along with that I run in New Britain during states and New York during nationals,” said Farr.
For middle and long distance runners, outdoor track offers a 1600m run, 3200m run, and 4×8 relay, but also an open 800m run.
“If I personally had to choose, I would pick outdoor track,” says Farr. “I think the main reason for this is because I can run the open 800m which is my main event.”
In outdoor track, both long jump and triple jump are offered. This tends to lead to much more jumpers on the roster in outdoor track.
“I prefer outdoor track as of now because they have triple jump,” stated Davis.
Throwing is in a very similar situation as jumping. Outdoor track offers Javelin Throw and Discus Throw along with Shot Put.
“I think the main difference for me is the events I’m able to do,” states Junior Emma Swanson. “In outdoor there are three throwing events while indoor only has one.”
Finally, outdoor offers a 4×1 relay, 4×4 relay, 100m dash, 200m dash, and 400m run for sprinters.
When it comes to their favorite part of each sport, each athlete has their own opinions. Junior Jimmy Schwarz has personally always been a fan of indoor track.
“The last two years I really enjoyed indoor track, and my favorite thing about it is probably the low key feel it has,” said Schwarz.
Junior Jaylen Goodall on the other hand is a huge advocate for outdoor track.
“My favorite thing about outdoor track is because of the time of the year with school coming to an end and summer starting,” Goodall states. “On top of that I love the higher number of people who do outdoor track.”
Despite the many differences, it is safe to say that outdoor and indoor track are one of the same. Rather than comparing the two, Swanson appreciates both sports for what they have to offer.
“My favorite thing about indoor and outdoor track is the social aspect,” she states. “Everyone on the team is friendly and I have built so many unexpected friendships.”
