Lopez track team shines in the rain

By Colleen Smith • May 1, 2019 1:30 am
Contributed photo/Gene Helfman Leah Armstrong finishes ahead of the field in the 800-meter run at the Mount Vernon Christian track meet April 18<sup></sup>. Armstrong’s time of 2:37.89 is the fourth fastest in the league this year.
Contributed photo/Gene Helfman Leah Armstrong finishes ahead of the field in the 800-meter run at the Mount Vernon Christian track meet April 18. Armstrong’s time of 2:37.89 is the fourth fastest in the league this year.

Submitted by Gene Helfman

A general rule of athletics is to practice in conditions similar to those you’re likely to experience when competing. Given that, the Lopez track team was well prepared for the cold, windy, wet weather at the Mount Vernon Christian track meet on April 18. Perhaps as a result, the Lobos turned in their best performance of the year across the board at the nine-school meet. Eleven Lobos posted personal or seasonal records, including Quinn Steckler (200-meter run), Josh Kramer (300 hurdles, shot put, long jump), Sophie Allen (100 dash, 200 run), Maddie Zoerb (100 dash, javelin), Isara Graecen (1600 run, 3200 run), Camille Steckler (300 high hurdles), Emma Patrick (shot put), Hazel Arden (shot put), Morgan Limbach (shot put), Chiara Dal Cero (long jump), Leah Armstrong (200 run, 800 run) and Galen Westervelt (800 run). Armstrong and Westervelt also won their 800 races in crowded fields of 11 and nine runners respectively.

Coach Marina Steinbrueck couldn’t stop smiling after the meet. “It’s an exciting season. These truly talented young athletes never stop amazing me, striving for their best, even in the pouring rain. They are full of fire and passion and make me so proud to coach every day.”

Lopez has two remaining meets before the postseason championships. All meets are away because of tree roots that are undermining the Lopez track.