By Emma Byard, Staff Writer
Turns out there IS something that can slow down the talented FFHS track program: The coronavirus pandemic means the Nighthawks won’t be adding to their remarkable total of 28 state championships in the last three years.
The running program at First Flight has been on such a dominant track the past few years that state titles are now more of an expectation than a surprise for those who participate. Coach Chris Layton foresees this trend continuing if runners put in the necessary work.
“I think that there is enough talent that we can be very competitive in different events in the future. Distance is one of our specialties and where we are most competitive and I see that continuing,” Layton said. “It always seems like there are other individuals who really rise to the occasion and can really have the opportunity to keep the trend going.”
Alumna Alex Rodman had no trouble explaining the joy that comes with reaching that goal of winning a championship. Before heading to Columbia University’s cross country and track teams, she captured seven titles for the Nighthawks.
“Winning my first state title was probably my favorite memory from my track and field career that I had just because it was relatively unexpected,” Rodman said. “When it happens the first time I feel like you’re just overwhelmed with a lot of disbelief and joy and I couldn’t stop smiling. I remember so vividly, my cheeks were just glued upwards.”
Many runners on both the cross country and track teams have felt the emotions associated with earning a title. This includes junior Max Bowlin, who helped the 4×800 meter relay win this past February at the indoor championships.
“It felt amazing and good knowing that we (won in this event). I wouldn’t want do it with anyone else,” Bowlin said regarding teammates Zach Hughes, Warner Campbell and Henry Stecher. “It felt pretty good knowing that we put in, I would say, the most work out of any athletics in the school.”
Although track does not get much attention through local media, it is obvious the program has shown it can persistently rule the state, proving its worth to First Flight and the community. Running websites and social media accounts in North Carolina consistently give shout-outs to the Nighthawks.
Through their hard work, the runners at First Flight have also developed a bond special to their team. Training includes taxing workouts in both the scorching summertime heat and the brisk wintertime winds, running miles upon miles and perfecting their leaps over high jump bars and into triple jump sand pits. They put in the time and effort together to achieve the desired outcome.
“All the teams I’ve been on haven’t had the connection that I have with all of the guys on the track team,” Bowlin said. “They’re amazing friends and my brothers.”
The mentality that the team has developed through this bond contributes to the success and hopefully will continue to add titles.
“At our level there’s no greater goal than winning a state championship,” Layton said.
Senior Emma Byard can be reached at [email protected].
