By: Kaitlyn Erhard

Track ends their last indoor meet Sunday, February 15th, at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island, New York. As it is their conference championship, Desi Stroud, Odeana Smith, and Javon Bowens all made nationals for jumps at this conference. As spring rolls around, they begin their outdoor meet on March 21st, a Saturday, against Stockton. As the Tigers are getting ready to switch over from indoor to outdoor, let’s look at how their indoor season went! The team reflects on months of hard work, growth, and resilience. Meet days bring a mix of nerves and excitement, as athletes step onto the track eager to challenge themselves and improve on their last performance. Staying positive has been a major focus throughout the season, especially during races when mindset can make all the difference.

One of the biggest challenges this year was learning how to overcome negative thoughts. There were moments when doubt affected performance, but through time and experience, that mental hurdle was conquered, leading to stronger races and more confidence. I have interviewed two of our Tigers, Dilara Zeynep (Biology Pre-PA, ‘28), and Desi Stroud (Sports Marketing, ‘27). Zeynep’s biggest challenge this year was to change her mentality: “I did have some days where I didn’t think the best, which led me to perform not that well, but it took time, and I eventually overcame it.” Desi Stroud is competing in the championship for jumps. “I am excited to have the opportunity to compete with the top jumpers in the U.S in Division 2, and I look forward to keep pushing my limits.”

Mental preparation plays a huge role in how the Tigers perform. For any athlete before a meet, athletes focus on clearing their heads and making sure everything is taken care of ahead of time. For Zeynep, “Before a meet day, I do a 15-minute run and some strides and stretching to also prepare my body. I try to make sure my body is fueled properly and pack the right foods into my bag the night before, and try to get a good night’s rest as well.” One meaningful pre-race ritual the team shares is a prayer before entering the meet, bringing everyone together and reinforcing their bond. Zeynep, “I try to carry responsibility for the team by leading through effort and consistency. I also try to motivate my teammates and congratulate them after running, even if it’s a bad race for them, so they can always have a good mentality.”

When asked, “How is it maintaining your time between sports, school, and outside life?” She responded, “Balancing school, sports, and life outside of track isn’t easy, but staying organized makes it manageable. Using a calendar to keep track of assignments, practices, and meets helps prevent things from becoming overwhelming and allows priorities to stay clear. Writing everything down creates structure and helps manage time more effectively, especially during busy weeks filled with both academic and athletic responsibilities. Taking time to recharge during downtime is just as important, whether that means resting, spending time with friends and family, or simply having a moment to reset mentally.”

With the indoor season coming to an end, the transition to outdoor track is something the team looks forward to. Indoor racing presents unique challenges, from the tight 200-meter track to the heavier air, making outdoor competition feel like a breath of fresh air–literally. The 400-meter outdoor track is easier on the body, especially the shins and calves, and the improved conditions often lead to faster times. The team uses indoor performances as a benchmark, comparing times to set goals and chase personal records outdoors. Stroud, “The team prepares with weight lifting in the afternoon and practices at night on weekdays with heavy days earlier in the week and lighter days as we get closer to meet day.”

A major focus for the upcoming season is improving mile times by continuing to build endurance and speed, and by staying consistent and committed every day. Zeynep’s goal going from indoor to outdoor is “I want to improve on getting faster in my mile since it will be 4 laps on an outdoor track, and I am going to do that by continuing to build my endurance and speed and showing up every day.” To close out the season and look ahead, the Tigers’ indoor journey reflects more than just times and results; it shows growth, resilience, and a strong team bond. From overcoming mental challenges to supporting one another through every race, the foundation built during the indoor season sets the tone for what’s to come. As the team transitions outdoors, they carry with them confidence, motivation, and a commitment to improving every day, ensuring they are ready to give their best effort both on and off the track as they head into the outdoor season starting Saturday, March 21st, against Stockton. 🐯

Kaitlyn Erhard is majoring in Criminal Justice and intends to graduate in 2029. She is a contributing Sports Journalist for Tri-Lite.