The beginning of the track season was cut short as rain and sleet may have kept athletes from leaving the fieldhouse, if they didn’t have such a hardcore coach. Ben Schopp had his students run outside, on top of the snow. Despite the strange start, the team finally has a chance to get outside and prepare for the Subsection tournament in the coming weeks.

“It’s been a pretty wintry for ninety percent of our season,” said Freshman, Wyatt Klavon, who participates in triple jump and pole vault. Many of those participating in field events were not able to practice outside until just two weeks ago.

For others, however, the weather didn’t affect their season. “I’ve enjoy this season,” sophomore, Bryson Felton, reported. “My event (Hurdles) can be practiced indoors. It doesn’t really bother me.” Senior, Charlie Otterness, is also enjoying the season despite the poor weather. Otterness says, “I like distance running. It’s been a good ride, I just go long while everyone else goes home. Just gotta keep running through the snow.”

“The biggest bummer is the amount of tournaments we missed out on,” said Felton. Overall, the team missed out on four early tournaments that could have helped them prepare for Conference and Subsections. However, Schopp is proud of the effort put in this year, and especially how much bigger the team has grown, from being in the mid twenties last year to thirty-five today.

Despite the obstacles Mother Nature has thrown at them, the track team has powered through. Luckily enough, it’s looking as though Minnesotans can finally pull out their shorts and t-shirts and go cheer the team on, outside.