The boys indoor track and field team showed their Viking pride by parading around the halls in jean shorts on Friday, Feb. 22 for their first timed meet of the season at Niles West.

“Friday’s meet was the first officially timed meet of the indoor season. We had various standout performances,” head coach director of physical welfare Swanson said.

English teacher Daniel Horyn is the head track coach.

The Varsity team finished in third place with a commendable overall score of 28 points. Six schools  competed in the meet.

The Vikings 4×800 relay team, consisting of junior Ben Popernik and seniors Aquib Aboobaker, Emmett Barr and Justin Suh, received first place with a time of 8:38.

“I think we have a good shot at winning conference and sending people to state,” Barr says. “Our team is very deep on the distance end and hopefully that can pull us through some tough meets.”

The Vikings did exceptionally well in the field division of the night as well. Senior Danny Fricano competed in shot put, finishing the event in third place with a personal record of 44 feet 2 inches. 

Juniors Mustafa Bhaila and Ivan Korkes competed in pole vault, recieving third and fourth place respectively. Bhaila cleared 11 feet, and Korkes cleared 10.5 feet.

Come support your Vikings track team on Friday, March 15 at Niles West High School for their CSL Indoor Conference.

Go Vikings!