Track Team Falls Short at Championships

By Ashley McBride

The Outdoor Track and Field team has accomplished much this season. Just recently, the team traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to compete in the annual Penn Relays, held at Franklin Field. This was the first time McKinley competed in almost ten years.

The team's fastest girls and boys competed in the 4x100 and 4x400 relay races. Although the girls were disqualified in the 4x100 race, they brought the heat in the 4x400. The competing boys also placed well in their heats in the two races.

"Everyone who went wasn't going to run, but it was a good learning experience," said Mrs. Wanda Oliver-MacKenzie, head coach. "It gave everyone something to work towards next year."

The team also competed in the DCIAA East/West Championships held at Anacostia Senior High School. McKinley competed against schools in the East, such as Anacostia, H.D. Woodson, Spingarn, School Without Walls, and Ballou Senior High Schools.

Despite a huge effort from the boys, it was the girls' team that rose to the occasion and placed second in their division. This was the first time since McKinley reopened that the girls' team has placed. They received a trophy for that accomplishment.

More recently the team competed in the DCIAA Senior High School Championships, held at Spingarn Senior High School. Going into the track meet, the girls' and boys' teams were plagued with injuries and seniors taking final exams. Because of this almost half of the team was not able to leave school and compete. The girls placed 5th out of 9 and the boys placed 7th out of 11.

"The whole team has progressed since last season," said Andre Hall, team captain. "We aren't all the way though, because we need more distance runners."

By Anna Kinsman |  May 31, 2007; 10:51 AM ET Sports
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