Geneseo’s Varsity Track and Field team has had a successful training season, despite the unusual circumstances of this semester.
While summer training had to be switched up from their normal routines due to the pandemic causing gyms, and in some areas, tracks, to be closed, the team adapted with help from their coaches.
Kristen Zarcone, women’s captain, multi-athlete and senior said, “A lot of the times we’ll have lifting built into our summer workouts but because of COVID and the new protocols our coach adjusted our training to more running and bodyweight specific exercises.”
With the cross country team’s competitive season being canceled, the team launched straight into their training season. A major reason for this was the lack of indoor facilities to train in with Kuhl Gym under construction this semester.
Over the past three weeks, the team has conducted several time trials to gauge where they’re at in their training.
Kieran Sheridan, mid-distance junior, explained, “I think our team is looking very strong and healthy. Everyone, women’s and men’s, both look in shape and ready to get after it whether it’s a time trial or anything really.”
In order to practice, the team has had to adapt to new COVID-19 regulations by breaking off into 10-person groups so they are not required to wear masks during running workouts, as that would be quite difficult with the high-intensity cardiovascular workouts they’re doing.
Sheridan said, “The pods have actually been beneficial for the team. It allows our coach to focus on each event group in a more efficient way rather than when it has the whole track team all at once. So that being said, I think it’s also allowed our coach to be less stressed and more relaxed.”
The biggest struggles with COVID regulations have been the lack of full team bonding, but upperclassmen are doing their best to make sure the first years on the team feel included.
Zarcone explained, “Practice has been bittersweet, usually we would practice with the whole team, which is fun and great for team bonding, but this year we’ve had to practice in groups more specific to your event area.”
Sheridan followed up with, “We are trying our best to bond with the incoming freshmen. I know a lot of us are thinking of ways we can build relationships with them outside of practice, while staying safe with the virus going on”.
Despite missing their final outdoor season of high school, the first-years have been performing well.
Zarcone said, “All the groups did well in the first time trial and even better in our more recent time trials...It’s nice to see the commitment to training, especially in the underclassmen, since they will be the future of our track program with our class graduating.”
Sheridan agreed, saying, “There were quite a bit of freshmen who stood out. For not having a senior year in outdoor and then coming into a whole new program, they have done really well.”
The team is looking forward to hopefully being able to compete in the spring, with the winter season recently being cancelled.