by Noah Dawson

St. John Bosco Track starts the season with hopes to win big in the Trinity League and CIF this season, earning a spot as one of the best track programs in Southern California.

Excitement is in the air around Bosco Track. The season may be just starting, but the athletes have been working hard all winter to prepare for it, hitting the running drills and practicing their technique. The hard work is starting to pay off, and they are eager to see what they can accomplish on the track.

As the athletes hit the track, the focus is on hard work, dedication, teamwork and faith. They know that the road ahead will be challenging, but they are ready to face those challenges head-on. They are a tight-knit group, and they support each other both on and off the track.

For the seniors on the team, this season holds a special significance. It’s their last chance to compete at the high school level, and they are determined to make it count. Senior Ahrian Mcneil, who is a sprinter on the team, is excited to get back out on the track.

“It’s a really good experience to get back on the track and I’m going put my all into this season,” Ahrian said. “I’ve really just been praying on [the upcoming season] and making sure that not only does God got me but that I have myself. I get that assurance through training.”

Ahrian has recently been offered spots on the Track and Field roster for teams such as North Carolina Agriculture & Technology State University and Chapman University

Senior Harold Munoz, a distance runner who has been out since last season due to a leg injury, is also anxious to begin his senior campaign.

“I’ve been training hard all winter, and I’m ready to see what I can do. This is my last chance to compete at the high school level, so I want to make it a good one and improve from last year,” said Harold.

First-year track athlete, senior Nethaneel Loolo, who competes in the long jump and triple jump, wants to see what he and the team can accomplish this year.

“This is my first season, you know? So I really want to show out and prove that I can do this.” Nethaneel said. “Not just for me, but I want to put on for the school too.”

Both seniors continue to improve and put actions behind their words with Nathaneel leading the team in sprint and hurdles with a 10.92 second time in the 100m sprint and a 23.11 second time in the 200m sprint. Ahrian continues to shine as the team’s prominent hurdle runner, being the leader in both the 110m high hurdles and 300m intermediate hurdles. running a 15.29 second time in the 110m and a 40.88 second time in the 300m.

For Track and Field Head Coach Tim McIntosh, the start of the season is a time to evaluate the team and see where they need to improve.

“Our first few meets are going to be a good gauge of where we’re at as a whole team and where we should be at. We’ll be able to see where we need to make tweaks and make adjustments,” said Coach McIntosh

The Braves have also performed well in the field in addition to the track. Senior Mark Lutke has accepted an offer to California State University, Long Beach to take his talents to their team in the twelve pound shot put and hammer.

Aidan Aldana serves as an asset for the team as he continuously places himself at the top of the leaderboard for long distance events. For the past few meets, he has placed number one for the Bosco team in both the 1600m and 3200m race.

If you’re looking for a way to support the team, come out to their meets and cheer them on. Your support can make a difference and give the athletes the motivation they need to perform their best. 

Spectators can come to check out the Braves on Wednesday, April 5th for the Trinity League Cluster Meet at home on the St. John Bosco Track.