Having been a part of Andover’s Track & Field program since a Junior, Boys Track & Field Co-Captain Russell Robinson ’25 became the heartbeat of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams. Specializing in short sprints, Robinson has combined his athletic ability with a commanding presence to uplift the team on and off the track.
As a co-captain, Robinson leads warm-ups, manages workouts, and supervises lifts. Beyond logistics, he is a constant presence, offering technical advice, organizing gear, and cheering from the sidelines during races. To him, leadership is about consistency, encouragement, and community.
“Most of it is about being a support system, whether it’s helping someone with their blocks or giving technical feedback. I’m often just cheering people on, trying not to lose my voice after a meet. That’s a big part of it as well,” said Robinson.
Working closely with the other co-captains, Robinson helps round out and complement the track team’s leadership. Together, they form a cohesive unit that’s reshaping the team culture.
“We all recognize our different strengths and try to play into them. Naima Reid ’25 is a great speaker. She gives the pre-meet speech and does a great job getting everyone hyped. Jakob Kuelps ’25 is the one who keeps us on track logistically. He’s always reminding us [what] we need to do, take pictures, send out psych emails, and more. I focus on technical help and general encouragement. I’m the one on the backstretch yelling support during races. We try to balance and support each other by leaning into our strengths,” said Robinson.
Sean Kim ’26, who joined as a new upper, credited Robinson’s warmth and charisma for making his transition smooth and inclusive. Kim noted Robinson’s community-building, forming a positive culture for Boys Outdoor Track and Field.
“I’d say he’s very helpful. He cares about the community. He always introduces himself to everyone and ensures everyone feels comfortable on the team. That’s probably his best quality as a leader: he makes people feel great at practice. He goes out of his way to greet new kids, and even if you don’t catch him first, he’ll say hi to you. He always checks in to make sure you’re doing okay. His leadership style is extroverted and selfless,” said Kim.
Robinson’s influence goes far beyond cheering. He’s known for creative methods of keeping the team motivated, even during grueling workouts. Whether cracking jokes or proposing hypothetical battles between the team and silverback gorillas, he finds joy in building camaraderie through levity.
“Today I asked them, ‘Do you think the track team could take down a silverback gorilla in a fight?’ That turned into a whole debate… but moments like that bring the team together. Even when it’s hard, we push each other,” said Robinson.
While his goal is based on lifting others up, Robinson also sets high standards for himself and the team. He’s thrilled about the growth of the team’s field event participation, a sign of the program’s expanding depth.
“For the team, I’m really excited about the growth in field event. I love seeing people challenge themselves with something new. I just want to see that growth continue,” said Robinson.
Younger athletes see his influence in every warm-up, set, and subtle moment. Brady Nelson ’27 spoke to Robinson’s steady energy and behind-the-scenes commitment.
“Every warm-up, he comes over, gives me a dap, checks in on how I’m feeling, and hypes me up to prepare for the day. Even after our toughest workouts or during lifts, he’s going 110%. He sets the tone for the rest of the team,” said Nelson.
That tone extends past practice, too. Robinson can often be found cleaning up weights after lifts, locking up, or checking in on teammates. His dedication is often unnoticed, but not unappreciated.
“Most people had left because I started practice late, but Russell stayed. He made sure I was okay. He didn’t have to do that, it was rainy, and no one wanted to be there longer than necessary, but he stayed, said Kim.
While Robinson’s Andover track career might be nearing the end, he hopes to maintain his legacy. While he advises lowerclassmen to embrace the challenges that come with track and field, he also asks for them to value the people more.
“There’s this incredible community of 130 teammates. That’s what makes it special. Yes, track is competitive, but the community is what gives it meaning. Enjoy that, and don’t worry about the stopwatch,” said Robinson.
