University Academy is almost done with its track season. The track team has had nine track meets already this spring, with a few more left on the schedule.
The head coach is Coach Adam Blackstock, and the assistant coaches are Jeffrey Burgett and UA alum Ariyonna Baston.
At the St. Teresa’s Academy meet, which started off the season, junior Cameron McFarlin took first place in the 100 meter dash, and he finished second in the 300 hurdles. Sophomore Jhonae Weaver took second place in long jump, and senior Aaliyah Lee took first place in shot put.
Most recently, the girls finished first overall in the IL All Comers meet on Monday, while the boys finished fourth. Several Gryphons won their events.
Athletes have been achieving strong results in other meets throughout the season, and they are working hard to meet personal goals and help their teammates.
Freshman Marvayah Brown said, “My personal best track meet for me would be our meet we had on April 3. That was my favorite, as me and my team won third place in our 4×2 relay race.”
Coach Blackstock said, “We have already broken several meet and school records in events like the 100 meter dash, 300 meter hurdles, and have been invited to several large invitational meets.”
Track can help people mentally and physically and can also teach people discipline.
Brown said, “Doing track mentally pushes you to keep going even when your body is hurting; it helps keep you strong-minded. Physically, it keeps your blood pumping and makes you stronger in your core, arms and legs.”
The sport can help push runners and assist with control.
“Track teaches discipline and hard work to athletes. If you can outwork other teams, you can win a lot of competitions,” Coach Blackstock said.
There are many leaders on the UA team this season.
“I personally feel everyone on the team are leaders, as we all push each other to our limits and don’t allow anyone to half step or slack off on runs and practices,” Brown said.
Coach Blackstock pointed out several especially helpful students on the team. He mentioned McFarlin, who runs sprints; Lee, who specializes in shot put and discus; and senior James Amerison, another thrower. These are three athletes who show up and show out, he said.
“They are focused athletes that always try to improve their craft and help the team where they can,” Coach Blackstock said.
The team’s next meet is today at 4 p.m. at Belton High School. Coming up soon is the Crossroads Conference meet at Summit Christian Academy on May 6 at 4 p.m. After that, districts are on May 10, sectionals are on May 17, and the state competition is on May 23-25.
