By: Lainey Font 

     As the warm weather begins, so does track season at Eisenhower. The girls’ side of the team has twenty-four athletes on the roster, while the boys’ side has twenty-three. 

     Coming into the season, the track team has a new head coach, Jimmy Schrecongost. He has high expectations for many athletes to compete at districts, as well as be successful as a first-year head coach. Prior to this year, he was an assistant to Coach Mandeville. Other coaches this season include Coach Sobkowski (Throwing), Coach Harris (Sprinting), Coach Stanton (Jumping), and Coach Devereaux (Pole Vault), leaving Coach Schrecongost as the distance coach. 

     The girls’ side has seen a good amount of success, with multiple district qualifiers in a variety of events. Specifically, all-girls relays have qualified to run at the district meet, along with many other individuals that have qualified so far in running and jumping events. The girls’ team has been able to pull together some good wins at dual meets. The Squire interviewed junior Marissa Gourley, and she shared, “Our biggest strength is having a smaller team, yet still winning some meets and working together to get there.” 

     On the boys’ end, they have seen similar success with a couple athletes being able to qualify for districts. The boys lost many seniors to graduation in 2023, but are still aiming to improve and find success throughout the season and at districts. Junior Joe Mistretta shared with The Squire what he thinks is important to focus on going into districts, “Going to districts becomes more of an individual experience. Sure, the experience is about being the best athlete you can, but getting enough rest, fuel, and staying conditioned are crucial.” 

     The district meet will be held in Slippery Rock on May 19. To go to the meet, athletes must meet a qualifying time, height, or length, which is sent out by the district committee at the beginning of the season for athletes to form their goals. The qualifying times or distances can be very hard to meet, which is why making districts is a big deal to all track athletes.  

     Districts is the beginning of the post-season for track. If an athlete places top two in their event or meet the PIAA qualifying time or distance, they will reach the state meet. Qualifying athletes from all over District 10 are split into AA or AAA based on school size. Teams in District 10 include most Warren County, Erie County, Crawford County, Forest County, Venango County, and Mercer County schools who come together at the district meet, and it allows for a great competitive atmosphere. 

     As all the track athletes continue to strive for districts and contend against regional competition, make sure to wish them good luck and show your support.