As the weather gets warmer, the Lady Dukes get faster. Girls track gears up for the start of the outdoor season.

After a long indoor season beginning in January, the team transitioned to the outdoor season after returning from spring break. Though the first half of the season is over, it set up a great jumping off point with frosh-soph level finishing first, and varsity finishing seventh at the indoor West Suburban Conference meet.

“We are going to strive to become more competitive in our conference,” said head coach, Coach Kilrea. “We are right in the middle of some rigorous training right now, and we want to become stronger in some events so that we can have a chance to qualify for the state meet.”

The long season is one of the most challenging parts for the athletes to overcome, but coaches and teammates do their best to stay motivated and carry out success to the end of the year.

“Track can be tough on the mind and body,” said Kilrea. “We hope we can find some rejuvenation as we switch venues and are outdoors.”

Not only is the weather out on the track more inviting, the outdoor season is when competition picks up, and the talent starts to take off to new heights.

“I’m looking forward to outdoor because everyone runs faster,” said Jenn Biggins, senior. “It’s always rewarding to have a PR (personal record) and see your teammates improve as well.”

Other athletes look forward to the competitive opportunities the future of the season holds.

“I’m excited to have the Sectional meet be hosted by York,” said Jeanette Morley, senior. “It’ll be cool to have the state qualifying meet at home, and I hope to make it to the State finals for the high jump.”

With the outdoor Conference coming up on Sat., May 6, York-hi wishes the girls the best of luck for a strong finish to the 2017 season!