New Satellite track draws mixed reviews

The track team accompanied by several other schools recently was able to officially break in Satellite High School’s new track named after former Satellite athlete Reggie Johnson, who died in April of 1980. The Satellite track has received massive improvements, including being entirely rubberized.

Despite the praise the updated track has been receiving, sophomore Jonelle Plahuta was unimpressed.

“Honestly I just think it didn’t meet the hype. People have been going crazy over this track and I just don’t honestly think it’s that great,” she said. “I don’t feel I ran any better personally and I could say the same for my teammates and in the 4×800 relay. It was one of our worst races so far this season.”

While Plahuta said the track didn’t live up to expectations, sophomore Leighton Johnson said it had a positive effect on his performance.

“I think it was pretty cool and well-done. It’s very appealing physically and I think it helped my running performance overall,” he said. “I mean I didn’t do exceptionally better than other meets, but being in the moment while running on the track felt almost kind of easier. It almost felt like you have a bounce while running.”

The track team will return to Satellite’s track Wednesday to compete in the Cape Coast conference meet.

By Lily Schutt