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By Liam Parido

On your mark, get set, go Cards!

Over the past month the GRC track and field team has competed multiple times, setting records, winning events, and winning entire meets. New personal records are being set and the Cardinals are rolling through the competition.

The team has shown off the work that they’ve been putting in since this winter.

Boys sprint team captain Corbin Ison on his hopes for this season: “I want to go out and win what I can. That’s the goal all season no matter what meet we are at.”

The first few meets are often an indicator on how the season will go for many track and field athletes.

“The meets so far have shown what kind of times and marks we are able to achieve this year,” said girls sprints captain Brooklyn Christopher. “We have some big meets coming up that the team can hopefully show out at.”

The team last competed at the Tates Creek Commodore Classic on Saturday, April 15. The boys team came away with the victory at the meet after a wire-to-wire race in the 4×400 meter relay. The team of Josh Wilson, Liam Parido, Joey Hill, and Corbin Ison scraped by with a ½ second win.

Junior Joey Hill snagged a 2nd place finish in long jump as well as a 4th place finish in the 100 meter dash. His points contributed to the team win in a large way.

He looks forward to improving his marks at the Eastern Relays meet this Saturday. “I want to perform to the best of my ability,” said Hill. “I’m used to facing high levels of competition so the goal is the same, chase a personal best and try to leave with a medal.”

This season has brought many personal bests to countless GRC athletes. “My season is going well,” said junior distance runner Aidan Larkin. “I’ve been able to hit some big PRs in the 800m. My biggest goal is to dip under the 5-minute mark in the mile.”

The whole team has set their eyes on the big meet this year. The KHSAA State meet on June 3 is the end goal for all athletes this season.

“I want to take the 4×400 team to state, and I think we have a real shot at doing well,” says junior sprinter Josh Wilson.

Only the top two athletes qualify for the state meet from each region, so the Cardinals have their work cut out for them.

“I have to outwork a field of runners that all have the same goal as me,” said freshman runner Lennon Smith. “Being younger puts a chip on my shoulder, but I step on the track every day with the mindset of becoming better every time I’m out there.”

The Cardinals have prepare to have the best season since the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

“I am encouraged for the future,” said Coach Dodd Dixon. “We have a good group of kids, we are loaded in boys distance, boys sprints look great, girls jumps are excellent this year as well as the girls sprints. The kids and coaching staff are both excited for 2023 and beyond.”

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