This past Saturday, the track and field team participated in the Track and Field 4A state Championship, and it was a day full of determination and success. Multiple athletes have qualified for various events, marking the big day as a win for coaches and runners involved. However, qualifying for states also means more practice, dedication, and challenges to face.

“For me to prepare for states, I have to decide which events I’m going to run because the training for the 1000 meters is different from the 3200 meters, which is a 2-mile race, so we’re just kind of basing workouts off what I’m going to run at states,” said Maeli Gleason, senior at Athens Drive who qualified individually for the first time at States. Although this is her final year as both a student and track athlete at Athens, qualifying opens up new opportunities for her as she is on her way to graduation.

For the qualifying athletes, qualifying for States is not just a personal victory, but a whole victory for the team and coaches, who play a big role in keeping everyone prepared and motivated. The determination to win within the team continues to be the driving force to move everyone forward and keep trying, whether they qualify or not

“So this year, I’m motivated because it’s my first time qualifying individually and I’m happy that I’ve been able to compete and qualify in individual events because I’m close to that one-mile qualifying. So that keeps me motivated, I’d also like to place at states so every day when I go on my runs I’m just like gotta lock in and stuff” said Gleason.

While qualifying for States is an exciting personal achievement, it also comes with the responsibility of staying focused and motivated throughout the season. For athletes like Gleason, this means continuously practicing with the right purpose, even after qualification. 

“I’m happy that I’ve been able to compete and qualify in individual events because I’m close to that one-mile qualifying, so that keeps me motivated, and I’d also like to place at states so that also helps,” said Gleason.

Equally as important to the journey is the immense support from teammates. Their combined experiences and teamwork within the track help the athletes to remain focused even when facing challenges. As a senior, Gleason has not only encouraged other team members but has also gotten motivation from them being able to see them improve over time.

“Well my friend Lauren is trying to qualify individually, and I know she can do it because we work out together and run the same thing. I remind her of the training she’s gone through and her consistent efforts,” said Gleason.

Although qualifying for states is a joyful moment, it is also important to remember that it doesn’t happen right away. It takes time, practice, and perseverance to reach that goal and accomplish it.

“I didn’t qualify individually until my senior year, so it takes time,” said Gleason.

For other team members still working hard toward individual qualifications, there is plenty of time to improve and achieve those goals and gain many future accomplishments from them. Focusing on your achievements helps push one forward and even if qualifications aren’t meant, there are still those multiple achievements already and still being done from the hard work being put in.

“My coach always says the state meets the mark, the marks we have to hit is just a number like it didn’t exist. It wouldn’t matter but you still have to be proud of your personal records and stuff even if they’re not quite at the state meet mark,” said Gleason.