The Glen Edwards Middle School track season has begun, bringing together students who want to challenge themselves and improve their athletic skills. With coaches like Mrs. Mullen leading the team, the season will focus on learning, setting goals, and having fun.

For many athletes, track is about more than just competing; it’s an opportunity to improve and try something new. When asked how track would challenge him compared to other sports, Francisco said, “Soccer because I have to do both sports,” showing how he is balancing multiple activities. Madison shared, “I’ve done it before, it’s not really challenging. I just wanna do it again because I liked it.”

Everyone has their own reason for joining. Francisco’s goal is simple: “To get faster.” Madison had two reasons: “Last time I did it, it was fun, and I want to get fit for summer.” Both students have clear goals and are ready to work toward them. When asked if they had any doubts about joining, both responded, “No.” They were confident in their decision. However, the first day still came with some challenges. Francisco said, “Nothing,” while Madison said, “I was really sore afterward because I don’t really run a lot.” Even though it was hard for her, she is determined to improve.

Looking ahead, Francisco hopes to improve his speed, while Madison wants to work on “my hurdles and my speed because I want to get faster.” Their goals highlight how each athlete focuses on different areas of improvement. Mrs. Mullen, one of the track coaches, has a strong connection to the sport. “I ran track in high school and I really enjoyed it. My events were usually the sprints and hurdles. I just really enjoyed doing track, and I would love to pass it on to other students,” she said.

When coaching, she focuses on individual progress. “Track is an individual sport for the most part. With each athlete, you can come up with different goals for them individually and help them develop their skills individually as well.” This helps all athletes improve at their own pace. Her coaching philosophy is centered around making sure students grow while also having fun. “I want everybody to be successful while learning new skills and having fun because it’s a sport they should enjoy and be able to take with them the rest of their lives,” she said.

One of the most rewarding parts of coaching for Mrs. Mullen is seeing athletes reach their personal goals. “My proudest moment is when athletes reach the personal goals they’ve set for themselves and the excitement they feel when they see that all their hard work has paid off,” she said.

Now that the season is underway, the athletes at Glen Edwards Middle School are working toward personal records, new skills, and a fun experience. Whether they are focusing on speed, hurdles, or simply enjoying being part of the team, they are all working hard to improve. With students like Francisco and Madison pushing themselves, and coaches like Mrs. Mullen providing support, the track season is off to a great start.