Middle-school track season begins Monday

The middle-school track team is gearing up for its season with an estimated 80 new students, both seventh- and eighth-graders, planning to join the team. This high number is because there are no try-outs for the team, meaning everyone can participate.

Math teacher Missy Henderson, one of four coaches, is enthusiastic about what is in store for this year’s season.

“We are playing different people [than before],” she said. “We’ve never played against Cocoa Beach and we are this year.”

She also explained why they are competing against different people than last year.

“Athletic Directory Tony] Riopelle is the one who told us [we were playing different competition],” she said. “They just changed the boundaries.”

Henderson also pointed out what the focus will be for the track team this year.

“Last year we had a championship meet in Viera, so this will be our second year, so it’s not really new,” she said. “But since it was so new last year, we have a lot more information on how it works, so we’re just going to start to keep that in the back of our mind in the beginning of the season.”

Eighth-grader Katie S., who recently joined the team, said she’s looking forward to the new track season.

“I really wanted to do track because during grade school, but we didn’t really have anything like [track]. I always loved running,” she said. “I really want to get on the 100- and 200-yard relay teams.”

The first middle-school track practice has been scheduled for Monday. Physical education teacher Greg Eller, history teacher Kirk Murphy and school testing coordinator Mike Drake will share coaching duties with Henderson.

By Alana Mayott

Editor’s note: Brevard Public Schools policy prohibits the inclusion of middle-schoolers’ last names on district-sponsored websites.