Track and Field has been an interactive sport at CHS for over 6 decades now, but after years of season practices and competitions, the 2026 season has been one to remember. The long-standing junior varsity and varsity programs are currently gearing up for the upcoming CIF meets taking place in just one month.
Practices are made up of intense workouts and repetitions to improve strength and endurance, while other activities like wickets involve mini-hurdles to improve a sprinter’s maximum velocity and posture. Sled training is another specialized method in increasing speed and proficiency in runs by pushing or pulling weighted sleds. These exercises take place at each meet and are proving more important than ever as they prepare for the season’s end.
“We’ve had a ton of home meets lately as the JV season is coming to an end in about 2 weeks and with Varsity going into CIF,” junior Paige Vuu said.
Though competing in the Avocado League brings a spirit of competition, the team’s travel to the championships also brings them closer together. Until then, their home meets mean strenuous exercising, but also group hangouts, uniting the sprinters before group runs.
“It’s fun working with everyone. Each of our workouts we work with both JV and Varsity for motivation and pushing each other after each rep,” senior Nesa Zadeh said.
These workouts push the team to their limits physically, but also bring people out of their comfort zone. Meeting people they might have never encountered in classes, students are forming new connections every day. This year the bonds between them have grown stronger than ever, allowing the team to grow in size and support.
“Being in track and field means a lot to me because I have made so many new friends through the program,” junior Jillian Rudy said. “It’s super supportive and a lot of people have stayed this season.”
In a united effort, the team continues to support each other through both the literal and personal hurdles they face. As each year brings new challenges and a fresh set of talent, the change in morale can be seen on and off the field. With the support of one another and the Carlsbad student body, track and field will head to the May CIF championships with confidence, and no doubt return with groundbreaking results.
“The season has been pretty successful. It’s been different this year because our team is more lively and prepared for our meets,” Nesa Zadeh said.
