Track and Field, a sport that is traced back to the times of Ancient Greece, has an increase in participants at Lyndon Institute this season, almost 2,876 years later. According to head coach Paul Wheeler, "We have almost 100 kids out for track and field at L.I. this year, which is the most we've had in my memory." Having such large numbers is a good thing when the outcome of the meet depends on the cumulative score added up from points gained in first, second, and third place for each event.

The team is full of newcomers and underclassmen, but Wheeler feels that they will be critical to their success, "Our expectations are always high, we continue to shoot for a top three finish in both the boys and the girls side." Wil Raymond, a Senior 300 meter hurdler, hopes that the team will get in the top three this year, but is always

Wil Raymond

pushing for first place. Raymond says that he would like to place in the top three in the 300 meter hurdles this year. So far the practices have been focusing on aerobic endurance and technicalities which should transition well later in the season, especially for Raymond because the 300 meter hurdles is very much an endurance event.

Another Senior, Timothy Thomas, said, "We're out here to win it. Personally, I'd like to break the school record on the 400." A goal which Thomas is 3.85 seconds away from reaching. When that finish line is crossed, there's always a new time to beat. Just look at Sarah Cornell, a Junior who beat the school record her freshman year. Cornell said, "It felt really amazing. It was the first preliminary race of my state meet as a freshman and to beat that in my first race of state meet was incredible and I was so excited."

But, after all there is no "I" in team. Junior Stevie Durocher said, "There's more of a team focus this year than an individual. We're working really well together. The throwers we're just like one big happy family. We're always having fun. It's a great dynamic and I'm really excited about it." The teams first meet is on April 23 at Middlebury College.

News 7's Videojournalist Nadine Grimley takes us to the track.