The Oxford High School girls track team has begun preparation for the upcoming 2023-2024 track season. The team is led by head coach Chris Patton and assistant coach Chris Gardner. The track season will begin on Mar. 2 at the South Panola Invitational. The track team has worked hard during the offseason to make this year their best season yet.
“At practice we see each other put in lots of effort,” sophomore Maggie Irwin said. “At races we see each other try to turn that hard effort into wins. It’s a process that takes a lot of mental and physical work, but it’s something I love to be a part of.”
This year’s team does focus on putting in the effort to win, but also focuses on having fun while doing it. Many team members came to be a part of the track team due to their natural love for the sport.
“I always loved running when I was younger, so my parents encouraged me to join the track team in the 7th grade,” senior captain Bella Monteleone said. “It awakened a competitive spirit in me, and I quickly fell in love with the sport. Track has brought me so many amazing people and relationships.”
The team is working hard to make sure that they give their all at every single meet they attend. Each teammate makes a point to support each other, as most members are close friends.
“The track community is very close knit,” Irwin said. “I think the team is very fun, we have a positive atmosphere to be in with constant support on and off of the track.”
