The track and field team finished its season strong with both the boys’ and girls’ teams showing improvement, depth, and determination across a wide range of events.

CHS history teacher Tim Callinan coaches the boys’ team while ceramics and photography teacher Derrick Moore oversees the girls’ team. The team has competed in eight meets so far this season and has won two outright as a team, with individual efforts boosting the team’s overall performances as well.

Ahead of the season, Callinan described the goals of his team, noting how performance is balanced with team culture and camaraderie.

“Our main goal is to keep building a strong, competitive program while helping every athlete improve. We want to compete for wins in our dual meets, perform well in championship meets, and continue developing both our experienced athletes and our younger group,” Callinan said. “Just as important, we want to build a culture where athletes support each other and take pride in the work they put in every day.”

Senior Jake Wickersham, who recently committed to Rider University, helped the long-distance team achieve success this year. Senior sprinter Shawn Munson helps the team in events such as the 4×1 and the 100-meter sprint while senior pole vaulter Max Frey carries the reins his brother established several years ago.

Pole vault, in particular, has stood out as both a challenging and rewarding event for Frey. He says his interest in the sport came from family inspiration.

“I wanted to try pole vaulting because my brother had done it and was good at it…my grandpa had done it while he was in high school, and it looked fun,” Frey said.

That motivation has translated into success, as he has achieved a personal record of 14 feet 6 inches this season. 

Reflecting on that moment, Frey said, “It felt amazing to hit it because of all the work that goes into the sport. It allows me to gain some confidence and notice that the work I put in practice is paying off.”

Even with those accomplishments, he acknowledges that track and field comes with its challenges. In technical events like pole vault, small adjustments can make a big difference.

“The most challenging part of the event is going upside down,” Frey said. “Also, figuring out how far back to put the bar and which pole I want to use.” 

These details highlight the level of focus and precision required, something that athletes across all events must develop as they compete at a higher level.

With regards to track, Munson emphasizes that success is not just physical but mental as well.

“The hardest part about training for my race isn’t the physical aspect, it’s the ability to mentally lock in and being able to recover after the training,” Munson said. 

Preparation before races has also been a major part of the team’s success. Many athletes follow similar routines to make sure they are ready to compete. 

“My pre-race routine is a good light jog around the track as a team and some stretches, then getting ready for the race by doing some block starts and staying loose,” Munson shared.

These routines help athletes stay calm and confident before stepping onto the track, contributing to more consistent performances.

Callinan also shared his thoughts on preparing the athletes for the big meets. He attempts the same approach for every athlete, no matter their competition. 

“A lot of it comes down to confidence and routine. We try to make sure athletes trust their training and focus on what they can control instead of the pressure around them,” Callinan said. “We talk about staying relaxed, sticking to their pre-race routines, and treating big meets like any other competition. If they’re prepared and mentally locked in, they usually perform at their best.”

Team chemistry has been another defining factor for the team this season. Whether it’s during practice or at meets, athletes have supported each other to foster a positive environment.

The Woodbury Relays were an all-around favorite meet. 

“It shows that we can rely on team chemistry to get us through races because they are all relays, and the atmosphere is energetic because one teammate can boost the rest of the team,” Munson said.  

This sense of unity has helped both the boys’ and girls’ teams stay motivated and perform at high levels.

Overall, the 2026 track and field team continues to show growth and potential. With strong performances across multiple events, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are setting themselves up for success as the season progresses and the postseason concludes.