Written by Lauren Roth
The indoor tracks season has been very different due to COVID-19, as have many other sports. Despite the many changes and challenges, freshmen and seniors alike have prevailed in their sport. Arriving at college is hardly ever an easy task, especially as a student-athlete, and now freshmen athletes have the added stress of a pandemic in the mix. However, all of these factors did not discourage Tim Hoffstaetter who is, “grateful to run this past season and compete.” Many schools have had canceled or postponed seasons. Despite his season being different than what some are used to, the gratitude for having it is never-ending. Similar to senior Alli Barthol, who is also grateful just to have a season. Upon reflecting on her last four years, especially the challenges of this year, she’s learned the importance of never taking anything for granted.
Our indoor track and field teams have certainly not taken this season for granted. This past Saturday, February 20th, Roanoke hosted the Finn Pincus Invitational, its last home meet of the indoor season. The meet hosted Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University, Ferrum College, University of Lynchburg, Radford University, Southern Virginia University, and William Peace University.
The women’s team did a phenomenal job all across the board. Some stand-out athletes were Alison Moreau, who won the women’s high jump with 5’4.25” and Kaitlyn Nguyen who tied for second at 5’1”. Grace Fowler reached the best shotput distance in the ODAC this season, with a distance of 37’7.25”. To round out the evening, Anna Stafford, Brooke Ryman, and Katelyn Wiley won the 4×200 relay with a time of 1:59.00.
For the men’s team, Xavier O’Brien lowered his previous qualifying time to 8.50 in the 60-meter hurdles. Zach McNeil, Link Hammerschmidt, Joseph Kenney, and Jared McIntyre received a 1:40.40 in the 4×200 relay. Hunter Bohon also received a winning high of 5’8” in the 1-2 high jump. Both teams performed extremely well and will finish the indoor season with a trip to Shenandoah University from March 5-6th.
