ISSUE 3: Preview: Low Running Times & High Expectations for the 2022 Track Season

As the Spring season begins, the track and field team hopes to make it to States.

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Photo Anna Woodward

Robbie Blalock (’22) running during a 2021 meet at Plant HS against Plant and Seffner Christian Academy.

Jadyn Grayes, Staff writer

The Robinson track and field team kicked off the new season with a home meet against Chamberlain and Tampa Catholic on Feb. 23, and Coach Manuel Montero has high hopes for the 2022 season.

Montero hopes that the team this year will surpass the achievements of last year. “Well last year, we had zero kids make it to states but we had fourteen make it to regionals, so I’d like to improve on the group, like how many kids get to regionals and I’d like to get some of our kids to States,” Montero said.

Montero expressed hope for some new throwers on the team that show promise. He hopes these new additions to the team will help lead them to States.

“Keep an eye out for a couple of throwers…E.J. Archield, he’s a good football player this year, he’s going to be a very good thrower,” Montero said.

He also pays appreciation to the former best throwers from last season. “I can’t neglect Lexington, was our best thrower last year for girls, Lexi Burgess, and she also made it to regionals last year,” Montero said.

RHS students share the same excitement for this season as Coach Montero.

“I am super excited to be able to support my friends in track at meets! I know last year the team didn’t get to go to States but judging from the new additions to track and the practicing that I see the team doing after school, I see them going far this year. Go Knights!” Abby Goebel (‘23) said.

Based on the practices so far, Coach Montero is feeling confident about the 2022 season. “Yeah we definitely have some talented individuals, it’s a big group,” Montero added.

The team has a meet at Leto High School on Wednesday, March 9. To support Robinson Track and Field, see the Robinson homepage for ticket information.