On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Niles North Boys Track and Field team began their season with a meet at Evanston Township High School.

The team, filled with many first-time track participants, is looking forward to the rest of its season. Here are a few interviews with some members of the team.

Distance Coach David Shafron

How well do you think the first race went?

“I think that the first race went really well. I am a pretty positive guy, so I always like to see all situations, but what I saw was some guys really showed that they’ve been putting in the work from the off-season. It showed in that first meet, and even if the guys didn’t run times that they were happy with, I’m still happy that they still had a good positive competitive experience. I am happy that they got a good meet experience to test their legs with it. I had no expectations whatsoever on times, places, or finishes, but with all that being said, I was just happy that we went in and gave it a really hard effort,” Shafron said.

What are your thoughts on the style of your workouts?

“I like that there are good attitudes in the workouts, and I like that there is collaboration, and partnership in the workouts. I also like that I am not coaching guys who don’t want to be there, so no matter how hard it is, or how cold it is, they all want to be there, and they all want to work hard,” Distance Coach Shafron said.

Who are you hoping will run in varsity races this year?

“I am hoping that anyone who puts in the hard work is rewarded with not only personal bests, but also with the opportunity to run in competitive races,” Shafron said.

Junior Matteo Mertz

What is your favorite event to do?

I like to do the long jump.

What PRs are you hoping to achieve during the indoor season?

I hope to achieve six meters in the long jump.

How did the last race at GBS go for you?

I think it went well, considering it was my first time at a meet. I didn’t get to do my third long jump attempt, though, because I had to go to a different event.

Junior Joseph Andrade

What is your favorite event to do?

My favorite event to do is the hurdles

What goals are you hoping to achieve during the indoor season?

I hope to run for lower than 8 seconds in the 55-meter hurdle event.

How did the last race at GBS go for you?

I cut my time down by a second, which I’m happy with. I think it went well. 

The team looks forward to their next meet at Niles West next Friday, Feb. 24th. They hope that their peers will come out to support them.