Gallery • 8 Photos

Elizabeth Gebhardt '29

Mara Carey (11) runs the 800 meter at the girls track meet on April 8. Carey also ran the 1600 meter. "I think believing in yourself and staying focused [are the most important]," Carey said.

On the sunny afternoon of April 8, the girls track Central League teams met at the Strath Haven track to compete in a total of 18 events.

Starting with 300 meter hurdles and ending with the 4×400 meter relay, Haven’s team achieved more than 15 personal and season records. The athletes running gave all their energy to the track, and the girls on the sidelines gave it right back to them with yells and celebration. 

“Everyone’s so nice and everyone just hypes each other up,” junior Sophie Grossman said. “We’re all friends, it’s so fun.”

Sophomore Holly Cari ran a new personal best of six seconds, a major improvement when it comes to the 800 meter competition.

“I joined [the 800m] because that’s what my friends were doing,” Cari said. “I like that I’m in control of my own race.”

The 400 meter results include three new records: two season bests from Grossman and freshman Macy Keller and a personal best from freshman Ellie Kennedy.

“My favorite is the 400 [meter competition],” Grossman said. “It’s very mentally tough, and it challenges me to do better. I’m motivated to do better every race.”

Senior Maggie Conway, juniors Ava Hurwitz and Mara Carey, and sophomore Kai Czaplicki all won first place in the 400m, 800m, 1600m, and Shot Put respectively. 

“[I think about] pumping my arms [on] the last straight and just finishing as best as I can, no matter what,” Conway said. 

Haven also ran several relays, which require equal effort from all four girls to get a good time. 

“We went against some really good competition,” sophomore Laila Matthews said. “We have really good team chemistry.”

The meets can put a lot of pressure on the athletes, but with the support of their teammates, they are able to make them fun and achieve great results. 

“The fact that we’re all in it together makes it a community goal to do good and strive to push yourself physically and mentally every meet,” Grossman said. 

The girls travel to the Delco Relays at Marple Newtown High School on April 11.

DISCLAIMER: Reporter is also a member of the girls track team.