Covenant’s Track and Field season started on Saturday, January 13 at an indoor meet in Birmingham, Alabama.
Covenant Track and Field is a small program, but it is full of dedicated runners, throwers and jumpers. Under the coaching of Eli Kaczinski, the Scots had tremendous success at the end of 2023 season. The womens team finished fourth and the mens team finished fifth at the CCS championship meet. Kaczinski’s second season as head track coach is looking just as promising as last year.
Evangelia Berry '27 and Claire Mellott '27 race at the Vulcan Invite, Covenant's first meet to begin their indoor track season. Photo taken by Michael Wade.
When asked about their favorite part of the program, the team’s consensus was simple: the culture.
“The best thing about being a part of our program in particular is that it is deeply rooted in Christ. Our security is in him, and our performance doesn't define us, yet our desire to glorify him and love our team well pushes us to train hard and compete harder,” senior Lydia Dorman, who enjoys running the 1500m and the mile, said. “This creates a team culture where everyone works hard and doesn't flinch from challenge, and yet also welcomes every team member with open arms.”
“I love so much that we can have such a tight knit team even though our event focuses can be so different: distance runners, sprinters, jumpers and throwers,” said sophomore discus and shot put thrower Sophia Weirsma.
Junior 800m, 1500m and 5k runner Josiah Mellott also appreciates the hardworking but joyous spirit of the team. “ Every day, practice is intentional and a great opportunity to grow in the sport and as a person,” said Mellott. “Even as we work hard though, we know how to have fun, and have a great time traveling and competing with each other at meets!”
“People have cycled in and out of the team, but the core has stayed the same,” said a senior long jumper, 200m and 400m sprinter and longest standing member of the team. “Although we have had people graduate and have a new head coach, the team itself hasn’t changed much. It’s actually what I value so much about the team.”
Smith is leaving it all on the track for her final season running with the Scots. “The legacy I hope to leave behind is being a good leader by loving God and loving neighbors,” said Smith. “It’s something I have learned so much being a part of this team and I hope to have the other people who join the team do the same.”
Overall, the team is excited to compete and spend time with one another. Dorman looks forward to seeing how the team grows and develops, both in how the team communicates, and in their competitive feats. “We have more people than last year, and though we're still a small team, we have a lot of versatility.” Smith echoed this sentiment, saying that cheering one another on at meets is the best part of the sport.