Last year, 32 runners, jumpers and, sprinters participated in the first season of Convent of the Sacred Heart’s track and field team. Sacred Heart’s Athletic Department has added events to the lineup, welcomed two new coaches, and worked with the captains to expand the program this spring.
This season, students will be able to compete in more field events, as opposed to just races.
“Last year, in our first official track season, we sponsored all running events and one field event, the long jump,” Director of Athletics Ms. Kelly Stone said. “In our second season, we wanted to take the next step and add a few more field events, such as triple jump, shot put, and discus. We are very excited about the prospects.”

Returning long distance runner sophomore Mackenzie Jordan was proud to be a part of the inaugural track team last year and is excited to participate in the second season, especially due to the addition of new events.

Senior captains Sarah Jackmauh, Ellie Denson, and Grace McKenney will play a large role welcoming the 46 incoming members and establishing the team in its second year. 
“Since we are a fairly new team, we would love to make a statement against some of the bigger teams and show them what we are made of,” Ellie said. “We are thrilled that so many girls have shown interest and we are more than excited to lead this team.”
Along with the three captains, returning coaches Mr. Andrew Heath, Mr. Jordan Grannum, Mr. Tony Lukas and new coaches Ms. Carolina Herrera and Mr. Alexandru Gheorghe have high expectations for the season.
Despite the fact that this is Ms. Herrera’s first year coaching track and field, she is no stranger to Sacred Heart athletics. She was assistant coach of varsity volleyball for two years. As coach of track and field, she will assist mainly with the throwing events, such as discus and shot put.
Assistant Coach Mr. Gheorghe is also returning from assistant coaching varsity field hockey last year to help coach track and field.
Head Coach Mr. Lukas ran track and field and cross country for most of his high school and college careers. He was mainly involved in middle and long distance races and recently ran five marathons. He will be coaching alongside returning coach Mr. Heath.

Coach Grannum pursued a track career at Ursinus College where he ran the 55, 60, 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes. He was also a member of the 4 x 100, 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 meter relay teams. He was on the team from 2009 to 2013 and was captain his junior and senior years of college.
Although it is only track and field’s second season at Sacred Heart, Mr. Grannum is confident that the team members will be able to create a unified team atmosphere. In addition to practicing on the Sacred Heart campus, track and field will use training facilities at Iona Preparatory School and SUNY Purchase.
“The dedication and perseverance the girls have shown last year and the beginning of this year, it won’t be long until Sacred Heart track and field can be a very successful program in the coming years,” Coach Grannum said.
– Cheyann Greirson, Staff Writer