When most people think about track and field, they picture an outdoor field. But there are actually two different track teams at Harrison High School, and only one takes place outside. But what’s the big difference? Outdoor track is a spring sport and includes both running, jumping, and throwing sports. Indoor track is a winter sport and includes many similar events, but also has some shorter distance races and fewer throwing events.
Events for both sports are similar, with some important differences. The events that take place outdoors are discus and triple jump, the triple jump is also available indoor along with ball throwing. The longest race in outdoor track is 3200 meters, or 8 laps around the track. In indoor track, even though the competitions are held in giant college sports facilities, the tracks are shorter than the one we have around the football field. So, these competitions include shorter races, like the 60 yard dash, with some longer races remaining in indoor track meets as well. Imagine how many laps around the small track those must be!
More students participate in outdoor track than indoor. About 25 students are on the indoor track team, while up to 85-90 students participate in outdoor track. Senior Josie Murray thinks this might be because “indoor is more for people who have been in the sport for a while, while outdoor is for everyone, including people just starting out.” The indoor season can really help student athletes get a head start for outdoor track and work on building their strength.
Our school has won awards in both sports, with our teams doing well last year. Students get awards such as ribbons, medals, or even tee shirts for winning an individual event, and then teams are given awards for winning meets. The students that made it through district and regional competition to compete at the state level last year were Natalie Kiefer, Josh Basich, Lyla Kovacs, and Jayden Thompson.
Many freshmen decide to do indoor track instead of outdoor track because it is seen to be much easier than outdoor. The big difference between the two track teams is that indoor track gives you a little more flexibility in how much time you spend on it. According to sophomore Savannah Davidson, indoor track lets you choose the competition dates you participate in. Outdoor track not so much–you need to be at all of the meets.
If you were to join track, you’d be in for a fun season. They go for fun practice runs at the park and support each other through thick and thin. Harrison has been doing track for a while now and has a real history of helping athletes achieve their potential. Mr. Menze, one of the track coaches, has been coaching track for about 24 years, so you will be in expert hands if you join this sport. Ask Mr. Menze or Mr. Motsinger for more details about becoming a track star.
