The indoor track team shows true dedication. What other winter team sacrifices the warm interior of JC to freeze to death during practice? We will run through the rain, snow, sleet, or any other element we are faced with, but night vision goggles are not part of the uniform.

The later practice starts, the later it will end, and the colder and darker it will be for the runners. Thus, an exception to this year’s 3:30 p.m. practice time regulation was made for the winter track team, whose practices now start at 3:15 p.m.

Some students enjoy the earlier 3:15 p.m. start because they can get through their workout and go home to eat, rest, or start homework. As for me, however, I am not keen on the time change since I am actively involved in clubs that require me to be present until the meetings conclude.

Starting sports practices at 3:30 p.m. gives students the opportunity to go to club meetings, meet with teachers, or get a jump start on homework. The precedent set by Principal Madelyn Ball has resulted in the lowest ineligibility JC has ever seen.

The change was beneficial to me because I could finally attend all my club meetings after school. In doing so, I was able to be actively involved as either a club member or an officer. Another reason I enjoyed this 30 minute extension was because I actually had a few minutes to stop and breathe after a fast-paced day with few off mods.

I like attending all of my extracurricular activities, but I do not want to neglect my practice time either. The good thing about a later practice time is that the coaches are more understanding about tardiness, and as long as the full workout gets done, everyone is happy.

Coaches Robert Torres, Michael Monaghan, and Courtney Hugo request all athletes to be as punctual as possible, but that is difficult now because some clubs still run to or past 3:30 p.m.

I understand that many student athletes do not want to stay at school longer than they have to and prefer the earlier practice. I personally find practice time a good way to clear my mind so that I am re-energized and focused when I get home to start my homework.

When the icy winter temperatures set in, the track members are running their hardest so they can go home and warm up. As crazy as it may seem, I try to have a life outside of sports, and I wish that the track practice started at 3:30 p.m., so I wouldn’t have to sacrifice one thing for the other.

Amanda Spaeth is a Sports Columnist for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.