Sadie Buchanan running a relay for the first polar bear track meet, Photo Creds: Sydney Moretz, Yearbook
Lillon Henline, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn
As the Indoor Track season unfolds at Watauga High School, athletes strive for success in an environment that pushes them mentally and physically. Every competitor is seeking to set new records and improve every practice. While their experiences may differ, there's one constant that allows them to reach their full potential: the bond they share with their teammates. For Sadie Buchanan, Annabelle Stewart, and Clayo Kulczyk, Indoor Track is not just about the success that the athletes find within themselves, but the success that comes from uplifting teammates.
Buchanan, a senior with years of track experience, embodies resilience and leadership as an athlete. From hurdles to relays, she’s a competitor who has come to appreciate the importance of supporting her teammates, especially as the team has grown closer over the years. While supporting her teammates, Buchanan enjoys the individuality of the sport, explaining how everyone achieves success differently.
“My favorite thing about my event is how personal it is,” said Buchanan. “Not everyone has the same form when going over hurdles. Some people are great at starting blocks, but that's where I struggle. However, I have an advantage towards the end of the race, I'm able to pick up speed towards the end when other people may not be able to. It's just about finding what works for you.”
Buchanan’s commitment to the sport as well as her ability, makes her a key competitor on the track team. Despite her natural talent, she explains how perfection is not a factor in indoor track.
“A lot of people think it's about being perfect but it's not. You have to be able to adapt,” said Bunchanan. “Being able to adapt is fun to me. It feels like a little game.”
Buchanan reflects on how, in previous years, there’s been tension between the runners and sprinters. However, she says this year is different.
“I feel like we're bonding more as a team,” said Buchanan. “Everyones getting along, everyones inclusive, and everyone wants to see each other succeed. It's just the best.”
Stewart, a senior, has found success on the team, despite this being her first year competing in indoor track. After joining outdoor track as a junior, and cross country the following season, she quickly developed a passion for running and found success in the sport. Not only does Stewart love the sport itself, but the people she's surrounded by.
“The team dynamic is just so uplifting and everyone is kind to each other,” said Stewart. “We're encouraging and bond over the love for the sport.”
Kulczyk, a senior, is a dedicated competitor on the team. He competes in pole vaulting, which has its unique challenges compared to the traditional running events. Although Kulczyk trains differently than most of the competitors on the team, he still recognizes the camaraderie shared among members of the Watauga indoor track team.
“Everyones uplifting and helpful,” said Kulczyk. “Everyones ready to try as hard as they can to be the best they can be.”
Stewart highlights that success in indoor track comes from many factors, one of the most important being the confidence each competitor has to have to reach their goals. Before running, she prepares by getting in the right mindset that helps her find success in her race.
“Before my race, I tell myself I've done this before-that I've trained for this moment,” said Stewart. “I encourage myself that I can achieve greatness. You want to have confidence in yourself and it'll help you run faster. It helps me go into a positive race mindset.”
On the indoor track team at Watauga High School, not every athlete attends meets. Buchanan, Stewart, and Kulczyk all agree on one key factor that increases an athlete's chances of being selected to compete: the effort they put in during practice and training.
“Put in the work at practice, even if it's hard in the moment, it will show in your races,” said Stewart. “If you continue to push yourself, just understand you won't see immediate results. It's going to take time and work to achieve your goals.”
Buchanan highlights that effort and consistency are important factors for attending meets, but indoor track goes beyond attending meets. She encourages others to join the indoor track team regardless of whether they can attend every meet, because indoor track is more about the experience and positive environment.
“You're not necessarily going to go to a meet but Coach Kop always says if you keep working hard and if she sees that you're putting in effort, she will bring you to meets,” said Buchanan. “But, even if you don't go to meets, it's an amazing opportunity to condition for another sport, meet new people, and overall a great experience.”
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