New Members Motivate Team to Push Beyond Their Limits

ASHLEY LOMELIN
Staff Writer
With many additions to the track team, the members still demonstrate a close and strong bond. This bond is evident through the moral support that is shared amongst each other. There are many members that are new to the team, especially for the runners and hurdlers.
According to junior Courtney Moore, runners are expected to do well this year because of these additions. Another reason is because there is plenty of incoming young talent.
“There are many sophomores that can go up to varsity and compete at that level,” said junior Jonathan Bird. Due to a low number of seniors this season, several underclassmen were able to move up.
The coaching staff got a few new additions, as Head Coach Jerry Desantis brought in more coaches from the football staff. According to Bird, the football coaches are among the most dedicated coaches out there because they are always there for the team. In fact, some members see them as much more than simply track coaches.
The new members encourage the team to push past their own limits, as they see the returning members doing their best. According to Moore, the old members give the newer members advice on what to expect in the season and the underclassmen make the older students want to work harder to prove themselves.
“We feel that we need to set standards for the new people. It makes us want to be more than we can be,” said Moore.
The first preseason game was at South Pasadena. The team was off to a slow start in the season, but according to Desantis, they are improving every week. The first track meet of the season was held on March 17 against Montebello. It was a victory for both boys’ and girls’ frosh-soph and boys’ varsity.