“Fun.”
“Discipline.”
“Challenging.”
“Exhausting.”
Ask a track runner to describe track and field in one word, and their answers may not align, but together, they will all point to the same thing: how much an athlete is willing to give when it matters most.
For senior captain Zayden Ashraf, his experience with track is rooted in enjoyment above all else. Competing in the 1600m and 3200m races, he describes the races and overall environment as “fun,” a reflection of the team and community that turn even the most physically demanding events into experiences shared and memories made.
Zayden also added that, despite track being an individual sport, teamwork is an inherent part of it. The process of constantly training, racing, and recovering together creates a sense of camaraderie that softens the cutthroat intensity of competition.
For junior captain Kyle Durkee, however, track is all about discipline. Competing in events such as the 400m, 800m, and 1600m, he approaches competition as an internal endeavor; less about beating others and more about controlling his effort and mindset. In the most difficult moments, he finds himself returning to a single question: “How bad do I want it?”
As junior runner Lui Ham Lee describes it, at track meets, each event breaks the sport down to its simplest form. There are no pauses, no substitutions, and no way to rely on anyone else in the moment; just the body, the distance, and the clock. Every step and decision is accountable, and every second will reflect the immense preparation behind it.
As the season progresses, the importance of that preparation becomes increasingly clear. Each meet provides athletes with an opportunity to improve their times, refine their strategy, and gain experience competing under pressure. Senior captain Alice Phillips described this iterative process as “exhausting,” reflecting both the physical intensity and the mental focus required to maintain performance throughout the season. And with its conclusion approaching, each race carries added significance, as athletes look to apply everything they have developed so far and finish strong.
When asked about their goals for the season, Coaches Nelson and Crissy emphasized growth and improvement. Rather than focusing solely on results, the hardworking coaching staff has prioritized consistency and long-term development, encouraging athletes to build strong habits.
They also highlighted how much of the team’s effort goes unseen, as spectator focus is so often on results alone. The intensity of daily training—early practices, demanding workouts, and continuous repetition—cannot be overstated, as it forms the foundation for the performances seen on race day. The coaches also noted how runners “lean on one another” for motivation and accountability during practice, further demonstrating the collaborative environment our Mustang runners have cultivated.
The ASIJ Track & Field Team competed in their final meet on April 11th. As their season comes to a close, the team looks to build on the progress they have made, both individually and collectively, entering next year with the same motivation that has driven them all season.
