After setting a school record this year of 28’ 1” in the shot put, senior Linnea Anderson qualified for the championship meet in Prince George’s County on Feb. 3. Her dilemma, however, is that she will be in Spain for the Spanish Exchange trip that left on Jan. 25.
“It is disappointing to have such an opportunity and not be able to go, especially because it is my senior year and season. However, I think that the exciting things that are bound to happen in Spain are worth it,” Anderson said.
Also traveling to Spain with Anderson are juniors Ally Kozel and Leanne Ches, and senior Lauren Baretto. Track and field coach Robert Torres identified Kozel and Anderson as runners who will have the most impact on the team while they are away.
“Our number one sprinter is missing. Again,” Torres said.
Kozel, whom Torres was referring to, qualified for the 55-meter sprint, the 300 meter sprint, and the 4- by-400 meter relay. She has the second highest total points behind junior Rebecca Driver.
This year Kozel set two school records. In the 55-meter dash, Kozel holds the school record of 7.4 seconds, and she ran the 300-meter sprint in 42.9 seconds.
“I’m now kind of sad that I’m missing championships because we’re doing well in the season and I wanted to be a part of it,” Kozel said.
Despite the loss of some key runners to the Exchange, Torres and the team are optimistic about how the championship meet is going to go.
“I think the team will do really well. We have great seniors on the team, some amazing juniors, and the freshman and sophomore bunch will definitely be able to pick up the pace . . . We’ve had a lot of [personal records] and new school records this year, which is always encouraging. I’m sure that the positive energy that has come out of this season will carry on into championships,” Anderson said.
“We have a very good shot at second place. We’ll need every point we can get,” Torres said.
Disappointed that they could not compete in the championship meet, all Anderson and Kozel can do are hope their team can perform the best they can.
“My advice for the rest of the team would be to get excited of course and not let nerves get to them,” Anderson said.
“Good luck and I hope everyone does really well because we’re still a good team. Make me proud,” Kozel said.
Miranda Ripken is a Sports Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.