For the first time in four years, Andover Track and Field will begin its season without a New England Championship under its belt.
Prior to last season, the girls team had won four straight titles from 2008 to 2011, and the boys team had won three straight titles from 2009 to 2011.
This season, the girls are coming off of a second place finish at the Interscholastic Tournament (Interschols), and the boys an eighth place finish.
“Even though [the girls] lost their winning streak, they were phenomenal, worked hard and earned their place,” said Co-Captain Babatunde Bello ’13. “The boys team lost a lot of talent after the Class of 2011, and thus we seated pretty low at Interschols.”
Track and Field shows a great deal of promise, with some very capable athletes on this year’s team.
“We have a lot of young talented newcomers who may be able to fill the holes left by the strong Senior classes from the past two years,” said Matt Fischetti ‘14
“I’m excited to see what [the new athletes] are made of, whether in the relays, jumps or throws,” said Bello. “We may have lost some record breakers like Alexis Walker ’12, but I’m still looking for some records to be broken this season and to just have an overall great season.”
The team remains hopeful that it will be able to contend for a championship.
“Despite our [young] age, I believe that we can emerge this season as serious contenders,” said Fischetti. “Our senior leadership is dedicated and they give the team a solid base from which they can mentor the young guys. I have high hopes for this season.”
Bello hopes that the team can achieve three goals: “I want everyone to find their niche on the team, everyone to break their current personal records and I want to see our athletes contend for the win at interschols.”
Head Coach Corbin Lang is also very determined to have a great season.
Both the boys and girls show great promise, have oriented their minds towards placing first in the tournament this year, and are looking forward to the season ahead.
The team hopes to begin the season with success on Saturday when the team faces off against rival Andover High at home at 1:30 p.m.
