Russell Robinson ’25, Co-Captain of the Boys Indoor Track and Field team, has been a staple in the program since his Junior year. Inspired by his passion for personal improvement, Robinson’s dedication to track has brought him both individual and team success. Today, Robinson continues to lead by example, breaking Andover’s 55-meter sprint record during a meet on January 29.
Although his track journey started later than many, Robinson expressed how he quickly realized that the sport was where he belonged. Beyond competitive spirit, Robinson emphasized how the satisfaction of personal growth and improvement attracted him to the sport.
“I first joined the track team in seventh grade, but I never competed in a meet until ninth grade due to Covid-19. I guess it really started for me in the winter of my Junior year… Track is nice because the only thing that matters is you and your own time. You can always measure your own improvement, and that’s what kept me coming back,” said Robinson.
Robinson explained how the mentorship of previous track captains left a lasting impact on him. As a captain, Robinson strives to do the same for others, ensuring that the team is not just focused on performance but also on camaraderie and support.
“I had great mentors, like Daniel Bae [’23], my captain [two years ago], who kept me going even when I thought about trying something else, like ultimate frisbee. He literally pulled me back to track and said, ‘We need you.’ … As a captain, I try to make track a fun place for everyone,” Robinson says. “I ask a fun question every day during warm-ups to get people talking, like ‘What do you think the color blue tastes like?’ It’s just a way to connect people and make the atmosphere light and enjoyable,” said Robinson.
Cameron Butler ’28 recalled how Robinson inspired the team by giving speeches before meets. Butler praised Robinson’s leadership.
“He really inspires all the younger people on the team. He gives really inspiring speeches before the meets to prepare everyone and hype them up,” said Butler.
Robinson’s leadership style extends beyond team morale. Aviad Awa ’28 noted that Robinson is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping his teammates improve their skills, whether with technique or mental preparation.
“I remember when we were doing block starts, Russell showed me exactly how to line up to improve my time. From one meet to the next, I shaved time off my 55-Meter dash. Russell is really good at noticing the small details in form that others might miss, and he’ll correct them before they become a problem,” said Awa.
While he has no immediate plans to pursue track at the collegiate level, Robinson’s passion for the sport remains strong. Hoping to stay active and connected to the sport, he plans to continue running, whether for leisure or through intramural sports.
“I’m not trying to get recruited for college track, but I do plan to keep running, even if it’s just for fun or intramural leagues. Track has been such a great part of my life, and I want to stay active, even after I graduate,” said Robinson.
