The FVHS track and field season is almost ending, and this team has worked hard and come a long way this season.

“We are a good team, but there are certain areas we are stronger in than others. We have improved in a lot of areas. But losing Malcolm Ziglar because he graduated early has impacted our scores,” said coach Brian Harrington.

Junior Jack Owen competes in the long jump. His long jump is 21 ft and 6 in. At meets, he usually places first and placed fifth in the county championship.

“My favorite part about running track is that the practices aren’t too hard. I like to jump, so I enjoy it,” said Owen.

They are also doing well in the mile and two mile run with much help from sophomore Brandon Williams. Williams consistently places high in his events and has a PR of 4:22 in the mile and a PR of 9:30 in the two-mile race.

“I love the competition that track has. It makes me want to continue to push and be a good athlete,” said Williams.

In discus and shot put, senior Gates Hinton dominates his competition. Hinton is first in the nation for discus and has a throw of 206 ft and 9 in. In shot put, he has a PR of 49 ft and 1 in. 

“I have worked to improve my overall strength, and over time, my technique has grown a lot since I started. I am a lot more smooth and consistent when I am throwing,” said Hinton.

For our women’s track team, junior Ella Hess is doing phenomenal in the 400 with a PR of 60.73. Hess consistently places first and second in her races. 

“When I tore my ACL playing soccer, that was one of the only decisions I had because I can run in a straight line. I ran when I was little, but I am much more in love with the sport now,” said Hess.

In the womens high jump, senior Zoe Chesson is doing amazing. Chesson’s PR in the high jump is 5’4”. Chesson consistently places first against schools in our conference.

“My favorite part about the high jump is that it helps with my explosiveness. I am a volleyball player, so it helps me with my vertical for the sport that I play,” said Chesson.

In the womens long jump, sophomore Raegan Ziglar is doing outstanding and has a PR of 16 feet. Overall, Ziglar normally places top three in the conference. 

“I loved running when I was little and I did gymnastics. I wanted to be able to have the power to do skills, so I joined track, to help me to be a better gymnast, and I fell in love with track,” said Ziglar.

• Overall, these athletes are doing amazing in their track season. Fans hope to see them continue on this path. Fans can see the mens track and field team play at South Garner on Thursday, April 25, as well as the womens track and field team on Thursday, April 23, also against South Garner.