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They may have their own personal list of goals and achievements, but something very vital that Joelle Osbourne, Sophie Peters and Chris Johnson, captains for the Wildwood Catholic High School track and field program (boys’ and girls’ teams) share in common is their determination to improve in their individual events-and help guide their teammates in positive ways.
All three captains are seniors.
“All are four-year members of their teams and have demonstrated the commitment to their own and their teammate’s improvement,’’ Wildwood Catholic head coach Michael Scythes said. “Chris has been the steadiest contributor and top performer for the boy’s team this season. Sophie is returning after being less than 100% during the last two track seasons and is just now getting back to peak form in time for the championship meets. Joelle is having her finest season yet setting personal bests for the 400 hurdles and 800 meters.
“Mainly the attitude they have has created an atmosphere of support and encouragement that is contagious. They have always competed to the best of their ability, setting high standards for themselves. That example lifts their teammates towards the same standard, raising everyone’s expectations for themselves as well.’’
As a freshman, Osbourne ran cross country and enjoyed the activity so much that she decided to compete in spring track as well.
“One of my strengths when competing is always having a positive attitude,’’ Osbourne said. “When I don’t do as good as I wanted to in a race, I don’t let it get me down and I know I can try harder the next day. I would like to improve my hurdle form as well as my pacing in each of my races.’’
Osbourne would like to break the 70 second mark in the 400 hurdles the 2:30 mark in the 800.
“My goal for my team this season is to see everybody trying their best,’’ Osbourne said. “Major positive influences in my career have been my teammates for always pushing me to improve. And thank my coaches for guiding me and telling me what I need to do to get better.’’
Like Osbourne, Peters began her track and career as a freshman.
“I originally joined track after I ran cross country and really enjoyed it,’’ Peters said. “I wanted to stay in shape and continue to race. It also helped that both teams had the same coach. A strength that I have is the ability to compete in long distance races. Over the past four years, I’ve learned how to pace myself and control my speed.’’
Peters would like to improve her speed during races, by focusing on speed workouts in the upcoming weeks.
“After a good freshman track season, I struggled with shin splints my sophomore and junior years,’’ Peters said. “After finally getting them under control, I made my goal for the season to run the best 3,200 race that I can. Regardless of what the results are, I just want to know that I put all of my effort into it. I would really like to see as many members of my team qualify for States. It really is a big accomplishment, and it gives recognition to our small school.’’
Peters mentioned her coaches and teammates as being positive influences who have helped her reach her potential and as an athlete these past four years.
Johnson played baseball before deciding to switch over to track and a freshman.
“I was attracted to the sport because I loved running,’’ Johnson said. “Running gave me a chance to clear my mind. I was also attracted to it because my sister was a runner and I always looked up to her. One of my strengths is that I am good leader and I am a hard worker, I am not built like a runner but I am able to practice hard to get results. I am able lead my team in work outs which helps us get better as a whole.’’
He wants to continue getting better with his focus as a runner.
“I would like to see my team keep pushing each other to get better at practice, I would also like to see the team support each other in every race,’’ Johnson said. “I would say my sister has been the biggest influence in my career as a runner. She has set an example for me and I always wanted to live up to it. She has been successful in the sport and I am inspired to work hard so that I to gain success like she has.’’
Plenty of student athletes have contributed for Catholic this spring.
“On the boys team, with only 11 members, everyone has had to contribute,’’ Scythes said. “Senior Logan Burke and Thomas Logan lead our field events and Seniors Erick Féria, Cole McIntyre and Neil McIntyre are the other main contributors on the track. On the girls side we have our largest team in many years and received steady contributions from senior Lauren Sorensen in the 800/1600 meters, sophomores Alyia Gray-Rivera and Gwen Orlowicz and freshmen Xiomara Walker and Roan Jacqueline in the sprint relays and hurdle events.’’
