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The NS track team has had a considerably good year, with senior Abrianna Benson leading the team in sprints. Benson has set the fastest time so far this year running a 28.43 for her 200 meter. She set a personal record as a junior, running a 26.07.
“After I ran that race, everyone kept telling me I did break the school record,” said Benson.
Her personal record however was 0.02 off of the school record set by Isabelle Hightower.
Benson with a smile on her face said “I’m hoping to.” Yet it wasn’t always like this. Benson wasn’t expecting any
of this at all. She started track as a freshman and had some problems her first two years. Her motivation was low and she didn’t push herself to do great.
“My sophomore year, I didn’t even want to play or do anymore, midway though I was like, ‘I’m for sure quitting,’” Benson said.
But she did not quit, and she pulled through.
“I was convinced to stay,” Benson said.
She worked hard after her sophomore season. Her teammates encouraged her to keep on pushing and stick with track.
“My junior year I started working in November maybe,” Benson said.
From there she kept working hard and her results paid off . As a junior she felt her best.
“Last year was a complete different feel,” she said, ”I progressed so far from sophomore to junior.”
Track coach Scott Butler has been impressed with Benson.
“It’s been incredible to watch her development,” Butler said.
Butler has coached her from freshman year to now.
“Obviously there’s been indications of that since she was a freshman,” Butler said.
Besides almost breaking a record, Benson has qualified for state with her teammates in the 4×4, including Journey Toomey, Hallie Henrie, and Mari Briggs. Their relay team was able to qualify for state at the first meet.
“It’s the most crummy event,” Toomey said. “I love it because we’re good at it.”
Benson shared a similar view.
“I used to not like it, but now it’s like my favorite race,” Benson said. “It’s so fun with all the girls on it and how close we are, and we’re good at it.”
All the girls on the 4×4 team are all really close to each other and have had a close bond being on the track since freshman year.
“I love my teammates, they’re so fun.” Benson said.
Toomey had a similar outlook
“I think track is my favorite environment, there’s just like a lot of diff erent types of people that
do track.” Toomey said.
Butler had high praise for the seniors on the 4×4 team this year.
“It’s not a mistake that our senior girls are as fast as they are.”
Butler said. “This group of kids is the best I’ve ever had.”
Both Butler and coach Bill Pollock have been pushing the girls hard this year, but it’s not only the coaches that push the girls but also themselves.
“I honestly feel like I’m also a little bit self-motivated.” Toomey said.
Butler thinks it comes as no surprise that the seniors are
like this.
“They’ve been super consistent with running training, and all the hurdle drills that we do, all of those drills that they do let them get faster.” Butler said.
Butler has been impressed by the track team so far and is excited to see how this season plays out.
“As we look at where we are right now, and seeing how much season we got, I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
