This is what the AHS Boys Indoor Track and Field team prepares for each and every week.  This week, they have a meet on Saturday against West Potomac, Lake Braddock and South County. Phil Harris is the coach for winter track and has been head coach of girls spring track for multiple seasons.
He is helped by assistant coaches Ivy Roe and Julian Scarbrough. Roe was a state competitor when she was in high school and coached Cross Country this year while Scarbrough brings seven years of coaching experience from South Lakes. With great races, injuries occurring and personal records being broken, this season has been filled with ups and downs.
“With a new coach comes a new way,” sophomore Akrem Iris said. “Last year the coach was more strict whereas this year things are more laid back.”
Although the season has not gone well for some, others are doing as much as they can to reach their goals in by practicing on and off the track.
“Besides practicing regularly with the team, I train through Perfect Performance, an athletic training program, and football workouts,” junior Shemahr Brown said. “Perfect Performance helps me with my technique, speed and agility that tremendously helps improve my times on the track. Also, running hard  each workout definitely improve my times on the track. Lifting with the football team also benefits me on my explosiveness that helps me get out the blocks quickly for a good start for all my  races.”
Junior Jacob Weber was able to hit a state qualifying time at the DCIAA in the 55m hurdles.
“It feels great and was a huge relief to be lucky enough to qualify early in the season,” Weber said. “This is my first time making states”
Similarly to Brown, Weber trains in the offseason.
“I was lucky enough to have my friend Reece train with me in the offseason and Brent who helped me get stronger by lifting with me,” Weber said.
Although some people broke their own personal records, others missed their goals by just a couple of seconds.
“I was so close,” junior Kevin Huynh said. “I was one millisecond behind my time. I didn’t prepare over the break and maybe that’s why I didn’t break it.”
“The season has been going great,” senior Nana Forson said. “There’s a lot of talent on the team, especially among underclassmen who can pose a threat to current and future competition. However, injuries are holding us back from our fullest potential but luckily we have guys that can step up and fill the holes.”
Track star and Annandale alumni Nathan Hogye attended one of the meets to support the team.
“It was really nice to catch up with my friends and it was also nice to see the coaches,” Hogye said. “I was proud to see my friends run. I think they improved. Watching the meet made me really miss running track for Annandale.”
Overall, the season has been filled with ups and downs.
Some came out on top, and others know that with hard work and dedication, the next season will be one to watch out for.