It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining, snowing, or sweltering hot, somewhere around Scituate High School the track team is running. Whether it’s on the cross country course, on the track, through the halls, or throughout the town, dozens of students participate in track events all year long.
Track differs from other SHS sports because its possible to participate all year, which allows many of its members to form tight knit friendships as they spend nearly every day after school together.
Six dedicated athletes have participated in track every season of each of their four years at Scituate High School. Since August 2009, they have been sporting the blue and white, whether it be for cross country, winter track, or spring track. Seniors Alece Demetriades, Bridget Burke, Jack Kahrs, Ben Garman, Carter Kupchella, and Billy Russell are the only runners who have done track every single possible season. They have been the core of the team, providing leadership and spirit both on and off the track.
“It’s a great group of runners who feel a bond with each other. We are always able to talk to each other and we’re always there for the team cheering everyone on. I will miss running with these people I have ran with for the past twelve seasons,” said senior Alece Demetriades.
Aside from simply being team leaders, these four have also had great success as runners during their high school careers. Senior Jack Kahrs has participated at the national level in both his junior and senior years for the high jump competition. Several runners have also qualified to compete at the state level, whether it be as individuals or members of relay teams.
Most of all, track becomes a family for many of its members who compete all year round. More than just becoming better runners, track has blossomed friendships opened people up to new things. Senior Ben Garman said, “Track has been a huge part of my career at SHS in many ways. For one thing, it has definitely helped me become more socially outgoing, especially during senior year, I remember coming to cross country captain’s practices freshman year and being all nervous-in fact, the captains voted me most likely to become a mime! However, I have grown through track and have learned to just relax and have fun.”
One thing many people like about track is the fact that there is no stress to compete at a high level. Those opportunities are absolutely available, but it also a great opportunity just to become a better runner, get some exercise, and meet new people throughout the year. “The Scituate team has really become my second family at SHS,” said Garman. “People who don’t understand track or cross country will think I am crazy going out running in the snow or a thunderstorm or the blistering heat of summer, but the fact of the matter is I do it because I love running.”
“I would absolutely recommend that anyone looking to get involved in something in high school should try out track. It is an amazing group of people that can work hard but have fun too. Whether its one season or all three, track is definitely the best sport at Scituate High School,” said Demetriades.