Matrix News/Opinion Editor 

Volume XXXVIII: Issue 5: Page 13

Junior Ron Naphier and Sophomore Freddy Stalder go for a run during track practice last week. With the new track, the Bulldogs are looking forward to the upcoming season. Erika Williams | Matrix Photos

The smell of fresh new flowers, a brand new track and packs of sweaty kids serve as a reminder that, once again, track season is here!

For the first time since the tornado, Athens students will be able to compete on home turf.

“Our new facility lets us host Regionals,” said Track coach Fitz Read. “We’re one of four schools to host this meet before State. We want as many of our runners running at home.”

With Regionals at home, “I think it will make people a lot more confident to run at a place they feel comfortable. Plus it will allow for more fans to come out and support the team since Regionals aren’t two hours away,” said Senior Jessica Lawrence.

In addition, the new track at home proves to be much easier to run on. “I feel like we can do better at home meets with that home advantage on the new track,” said Senior Lauren Nichols.

Plus, “during the season the track is like our second home so it’s awesome to have such a nice facility to call ours and to be able to have home meets this year,” added Lawrence.

These advantages will prove helpful this upcoming season.

This year, the girls’ team is going for their fourth straight TVC Championship.  If won, Seniors on the girl’s team will have gone their entire high school career without losing one.

“Winning this year means that we set out to accomplish our goals. It would remind me that we are a strong team, and that we can do anything we set our minds to,” stated Nichols.

“It would so awesome to say we won the TVC each year I was a part of the team in high school. I think that would be such a memorable thing to leave Athens High with,” Lawrence agreed.

The boys, too, have a bright outlook on the season. Having won second place at the TVC last year, they are trying this season to win it back.

“For both the girls and the boys, the biggest goal is to be TVC Champions,” confirmed Lawrence. “We will work towards it all season!”