The finish line is in sight for Utica’s track team as they prepare for the start of their season. The new team has been getting ready to start up stronger than before. They have been training pre-season to be up to their full potential and to get back in the game.

“I never stop running,” senior Meredith Sorensen said. “I start training for cross country in the summer, indoor track during the winter and then transition to outdoor season.”

Running is a passion, and it takes hard work and dedication to improve your time from season to season.

Each member of the track team looks up to someone for inspiration when they need it.

“Jessica Ennis is a heptathlete from Great Britain,” senior Jacqueline Berg said. “She inspires me because she is great in multiple events.”

There are a lot of events here at Utica that students succeed in. The events range from the 100 meter dash to longer events like the 5 kilometer run.

Track is all about beating records and pushing yourself the best you can. All members of the team contribute by motivating one another. Both girls and guys train together to succeed and reach their goals compared to one gender sports teams.

“That’s what I like about track,” senior Marissa Cavataio said. “There’s a mix of girls and boys unlike other sports.”

Last year the track team went into the regional meet for their 4×2 and 4×4.

In the 4×4 last year, the team scored second place in regionals and got into states which was a shock to all the hardworking athletes.

“I was nervous,” Sorensen said. “We also got into the slow heat which rarely happens.”

Just like most sports, there are records to break and legacies to continue. This year, the team wants to continue being the undefeated MAC white champions for the third year in a row. Most of the athletes want to break their own personal records from the years before and some are aiming to break state records.

After talking to some of the athletes on the team, it’s proven that track helps clear thoughts, calm down, and express positive emotions while getting rid of the negative ones.

“I always enjoyed running,” Cavataio said. “It’s something to help get rid of stress.”

This year the team wants nothing but a positive mind set from all of their members. Their goal: Another record-breaking year.