After a disappointing end to the indoor season, the Girls Track team now looks ahead to the promising outdoor months. In February, Exeter dominated both the JV and Varsity teams, despite many previous individual victories at both the Greater Boston Track Club and USATF New England meets. This spring, Andover is eager to avenge its winter losses. Andover will have more chances to prove itself in the upcoming spring season. The team will face Exeter twice in dual meets and also at Interschols in May. The perennial rivals will meet at Exeter early on in the season and will finish off the year at Exeter in May. Exeter looks to be Andover’s toughest competition this season, although both Andover High and Cushing threaten to unseat Andover. Cushing’s depth and strong ability will ensure an exciting meet at Andover on May 9th. One of only four home meets this spring, Andover looks to prove itself on its home track. Only time will tell whether the spring team will be successful, but a multitude of returning runners, throwers, and jumpers suggest that Andover is in great shape. Captain Abby King ’07 will provide strong leadership, emotional and competitive support to the team. Her impressive results in the mile and the 3000 last year prove her amazing ability and admirable strength. Other strong returners include Simone Hill ’08, sprinter Deidra Willis ’09, and Colleen Thurman ’07, a long jumper and sprinter. Sprinter Hill said, “It is really hard to tell how our team will fare in the upcoming track season. Though we graduated a lot of great athletes last year, I’m confident that we will see some new and talented runners out there. I think that the winter season was crucial in preparing us for the competition we will see this spring.” Georgina Norton ’09 is poised to be a strong member of the distance team. Her rigorous training paired with her great success in the 1000m and one-mile events during the winter will serve her well this spring. Despite the loss of several graduated seniors, Norton and her teammates Breezy Jordan ’09, Anne Elder ’09 and newcomer Tavie Abell ’10 look to fill the holes. These girls all ran cross-country in the fall, and they will be able to participate in a wide-range of both mid and long-distance events. Through rigorous training, tough rivals and competitive athletes, the Andover Girls Track team will be eager for victory. The team hopes to defend last year’s position as NEPSTA Championships at Interschols.
