End of the Line for Runners

BY REILY RYAN

KONK LIFE STUDENT WRITER

Prior to the pandemic entering the Keys, winter sports at Key West High School (KWHS) had ended, and spring sports had just begun. There are many options when it comes to spring sports, such as tennis, lacrosse, and track, which attracts many student athletes. 

David Perkins, KWHS vice principal coaches the track team. Perkins has a history in track which motivated him to coach the team. He was very excited for the upcoming season where he was hoping to help the team improve. Perkins was very hopeful for some of the seniors on the team, “I was excited about our seniors. They have worked hard for three seasons, and [we] really wanted to see them achieve their personal goals. I, and the rest of the coaching staff, really felt that this was Robert Pedroza’s year.  He came so close last year to being a 2A State Champion and he is/was on track this year for being number one in both the 800m and 1600m.” While Perkins is disappointed to end the season short, he does have recommendations for his athletes to stay as active as possible, and recommends that they “go for short runs or short sprints every day.”

There were many newcomers to track this year who were excited to try out a new sport. Anne Claire VanAller, a freshmen at KWHS, gave some insight on what it is like to start a new sport, “Since it’s my freshman year, and first time doing track, I was a little nervous at first, but after the first practice, I was excited for the season and the people doing it with me.” She was hoping to gain more experience in running track when sadly the Corona virus took over, “I’m very upset that Corona ended our season, and I wish we were still at school.” 

Another freshman starting track this season for the first time was Nikki Tomita. Nikki experienced similar emotions, and was disappointed about missing out on the memories she would have made, “I feel very angry and sad that this season had to be cut short. This season I was really looking forward to districts.” 

Isabel Walterson, another student athlete who had joined track this year, came from soccer like Nikki, and thought that track would be a good way to stay fit since soccer season had recently ended. “Track can be hard sometimes, but it is a good way to stay in shape,” said Isabel. She was glad she joined before school sports were cancelled and was able to get a little experience participating in a new sport. 

Although these three girls had a shortened experience with their team, they know they made the right decision for their last sport of the year. They all agreed that this was perfect for staying fit, healthy, and making sure they kept exercising, and that they enjoyed each other’s company while experiencing the sport. 

Perkins said that the abrupt ending to this beloved sport because of Corona virus, “is just another challenge that we will need to work through.  Events and opportunities will be cancelled and missed, and that is unfortunate, but it is important that we follow the government’s guidelines to ensure that we are safe.”

If you would like to donate to the sport for next year, please contact David Perkins at [email protected].

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