Last weekend, the track and field team celebrated a number of accomplishments at their first meet of the season at Case Western Reserve University.

Third-year thrower Iyanna Lewis placed second in weight throwing, with her teammate, second-year Abby Cannon, placing just behind her in third place.Lewis believes this meet went better than expected and is very proud of the successes of her teammates. 

“I think it went really well,” she said. “We had really great performances from many members of the team, which was really exciting to witness and be a part of.” 

The team has undergone many changes since Lewis’ last competition, which was before COVID-19 began and under different coaching staff.

“The last time many of us competed was in February 2020, so it feels great to be back,” Lewis said. “I look forward to seeing what my teammates have in store for the rest of the season.”

Fourth-year captain Zac Ntia also finished second in the weight throw event and shares similar sentiments to Lewis.

“This last weekend was fantastic,” he said. “Half the people had never had an indoor meet, and the other half hadn’t had one in two years, and everyone came out and did unbelievable. The support and energy the whole team had throughout the meet was awesome.” 

Ntia highlights the accomplishments of the players on the team and said being able to witness all of the team’s great performances solidified why he’s been so excited for this year. 

“It’s exciting for the team to be in a good spot knowing we have a lot of room to still grow. I didn’t realize how much I missed getting to walk around and interact with the different groups on the team everyday.”

The team also had many other athletes place well in their respective events. Fourth-year Aesha Mokashi placed first in long jump and almost beat her personal best while fourth-year Sarah Voit placed first in the pole vault. Third-year Zack Lee placed second in the long jump, and fourth-year cross country runners Phoebe von Conta and Anna Scott secured first and second place, respectively, in the mile run. The Yeowomen’s 4×400-meter relay team also achieved a second-place finish with a time of 4:24.48.

Fourth-year Anna Scott is extremely pleased with their performance at this past meet and says this year has been incredibly special for them. 

“[This year] I’ve found a running partner and trusted companion in Phoebe von Conta,” they said. “We have been stride for stride since mid-season cross country, and we have pushed each other in a loving and supportive way so that we are not only the best athletes that we can be, but also the best versions of ourselves. 

Scott says the two runners finished .07 seconds apart from each other last Saturday, taking 1st and 2nd place and immediately embraced after crossing the finish line. 

“It was so joyous! And we both came within seconds of our PR times. I think this is the first time in my running career where I have actually trusted myself to compete at the highest level. I am no longer wondering ‘what am I capable of?’ And now just thinking ‘I can do anything.’”

The team will compete again this weekend on Friday, December 10th at Tiffin University.