This past weekend, the men’s and women’s track and field teams divided and conquered at three separate meets: the All-Ohio championships at Otterbein University, the Baldwin Wallace University Mid-February meet and the Grand Valley State meet. Those who qualified in previous races competed at the All-Ohio meets while the rest of the team went to Baldwin Wallace University. The top three distance runners for the Yeowomen competed at Grand Valley State.

“We were really happy with how this weekend turned out,” said senior sprinter Sophia Brancazio. “So many people ran really well and we came out better ranked than we came in.”

“Overall, we had a pretty solid weekend,” said junior sprinter and jumper Margaret Miller.

The Yeowomen at Grand Valley State had a strong showing, with junior Kyle Neal stopping the clock in the 5,000-meter run at 17 minutes 43.07 seconds, making that the 22nd fastest time in the nation. Sophomore Sarah Jane Kerwin also had an impressive 5K race, completing the course in 18:08.22.

“The [Grand Valley State] meet is more intense, but they definitely stepped up to the challenge,” Miller said.

Those who ran at All-Ohio also had a successful weekend. Both the Yeowomen’s 4×200- and 4×400-meter relay teams competed aggressively. The 4×400-meter relay, composed of senior Katrina Gelwick and juniors Ashley Parish, Nora Ryan and Miller, ran a season-best time of 4:10.45.

“Parish and Ryan really put up a good fight,” Miller said. “They really went for it and ran better than we thought.”

Senior Hannah Wolfe also posted a good 5K time, finishing only two seconds short of her outdoor season time.

The Yeomen had very impressive results at the All-Ohio meet. Sophomore Geno Arthur ran a lifetime best in the mile with a time of 4:25.81.

“Geno’s been running really solidly this season,” said senior captain Jimmy Taylor. “Our distance runners have been coming together really nicely, even though everyone trickles in during Winter Term.”

Sophomore Joshua Urso also ran a lifetime best in the 800 meter, with a time of 1:56.86.

“Josh has been running like a madman,” Taylor said. “He’s been getting faster every week.”

At Baldwin Wallace, sophomore Andrew Witcher also proved himself in the mile, placing third with a time of 4:35.17.

According to Taylor, the Yeomen could not compete this well without a supportive team dynamic.

“Even though we all do such different events, we’re still one team. While I couldn’t throw a shot put very far, we still all cheer for each other at meets. It’s all about cheering for each other and supporting each other,” Taylor said.

The Yeowomen also attribute their successes to a strong team atmosphere. “Yes, track and field is a very independent sport. But we do a good job being unified as one,” Brancazio said.

“We do silly bonding things, like playing mafia. But we also hold team talks to discuss problems we’re having and also talking about what’s working for us on the team,” she said. “We even crowd the science center at night with our team. We support each other well.”

Both the women and men look to continue in their winning ways as they compete at the Greater Cleveland Championships this weekend at Baldwin Wallace. Although this race is important, the team has the conference meet at the back of their minds.

“The [North Coast Athletic Conference Championship] is an intense atmosphere, but it’s a really fun two days. Everyone drops a ton of time [from their events] and we’re ready to show all our potential,” said Brancazio.