Indoor track team sees growing numbers

The St. Martin’s Episcopal School’s indoor track team has seen an exponential growth during the 2020-21 season.

The team has been accustomed to only having a few runners—and only two Upper School competitors—for the past three years. This year, the team gained numbers and totals twelve Upper and Middle School runners.

Senior Isabella Bartholomew, a long distance runner who has been a part of this team no matter the numbers, is excited to see the gain of runners. (Editor’s note: Bartholomew is the copy editor for the Halo.)

“I think it’s really exciting,” Bartholomew said. “We’ve always had a very small team, but seeing these numbers grow, especially as a senior who is about to leave this school, it’s nice to know I’m leaving my team in good hands."

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has called for limited contact. Mask wearing, social distancing, and avoidance of large gatherings have all played a role within their season.

“We have to wear masks while stretching, and we must bring our own water bottle instead of sharing,” Bartholomew said. “For track meets you can only go inside the stadium when it’s your event rather than setting up inside.”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association does not allow for fans or crowds at these indoor track meets, which makes the stadiums quiet but emphasizes support from teammates.

“I think it’s a bit more difficult knowing we aren’t supposed to get close to each other physically,” Bartholomew said. “And as for the competition it’s definitely quieter in the stadiums. It’s definitely strange not having spectators, but I think it helps me get in the zone and not get too distracted. Though it’s difficult that I don’t have my parents and siblings there to cheer me on, I still have my teammates.”

Alongside the adversity that this year has caused, Bartholomew has high hopes for the future of this team in years to come.

“The growing numbers are indicative of the program building itself up, and hopefully in future years, it’ll be stronger even when I’m gone,” Bartholomew said.