Track and field is considered one of Convent and Stuart Hall’s strongest and most appreciated sports. A program that churns out the greatest athletes for top colleges last year, there were five from this very school competing at colleges in different levels which is possible under excellent coaching that starts at team dedication and thorough preparations. Coaches Ngo, also known as Pablo, and Anderbraun, also known as Robeil, are the lead coachesl. These volunteer coaches open the Stuart Hall campus weight room and lead athletes at the track five days a week, providing our team with the early-season preparation to excel.
Pre-season training is very crucial for the success of the team. This gives the athletes that extra edge to always be on top in this highly competitive league. Last year’s championship came down to one event: the 4×400-meter relay, arguably one of the most punishing events there is in track and field. In a nail-biting finish, Gavin Zeitz, Shail Kulkarni, John Lui, and Christian Rodriguez took third place by a slim margin of 0.7 seconds. This effort clinched the league title for Stuart Hall, edging out University High School by a single point. Track, as this story shows, is a sport where fractions of a second decide who wins.
Mr. Michael Buckley says, “If you didn’t train one day, someone else did, and when you compete, they will beat you.”
Beyond winter training, a number of athletes also compete in indoor meets during the off-season. While indoor track events are essentially the same as their outdoor counterparts, races such as the 60-meter dash take the place of their outdoor brethren, like the 100 meters. Some athletes thrive in these shorter races: Class of 2024 alumnus John Lui competed at the prestigious New Balance Indoor Track National High School Championship, while current athlete Michael Lung dominates the 60-meter dash at meets across the Bay Area.
Those not yet on the track and field team, now’s the time to consider joining. The sport builds a special sort of community-a place where coaches will readily spend months in preparation to help one of their own succeed. And unlike other sports, track and field is rather accepting of athletes of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. There is absolutely no mold about success. You are not required to be terribly tall, not coordinated, nor even naturally athletic. You just need to put it all on the track and during practice and the results will follow. That’s what Ken Carson is quoted as having said: “Hard work beats talent every time.”
Roll Hall!