Sports have always been a way to unite people from different backgrounds. Success is defined as “The accomplishment of aim or purpose.” When success happens teams are born. 

The GlenOak Track and Field program has had a record breaking season, with both girls and guys teams being undefeated so far. This team has been bonded under the leadership of Head Coach Scott Ferrell and has broken records and has placed first multiple times on both sides of the team. 

Layne Studer, a senior at the high school has been on the track team for the past six years and has been GlenOaks top pole vaulter for the past couple of seasons. Studer this year has broken the school and stadium record for pole vault with a height of 16 feet 1 inch and is currently sitting at 17th in the nation. 

“My end year goal is to jump 17 feet and win the State Championship this year,” Studer said. 

Another member on the track team is senior Dominic Leon. Leon has been on the track and field team for two years and has been a key factor in this year’s accomplishments with the energy he brings to the team. 

“When you go to practice and work on certain things and then go to meets and it pays off and it works it feels great,” Leon said. “I’ve learned that throwing can be inconsistent at times so track has taught me to be patient, keep working, and always find opportunities to get better.”

The relays are very important when it comes to the success of a track team. Senior Jenna Delp has been on the team for the past six years. The girls teams 4×100 and 4×200 are Stark County Champs this year and Delp has had a key leadership role on the team. 

“The bonds you create are my favorite part about the team because they can’t be broken, it’s like how our relay teams have a relationship that is so strong that makes us better,” Delp said.

Sophomore Sydney Stepanovich, has been on GlenOaks the track team for the past two years and has already made a huge impact. Stepanovich competes in the 4×200 and 4×400.

“I feel very excited and proud of my girls, the relays are the best part. I’ve learned to be patient and have good form and do your best every single chance you get,” Stepanovich said. 

This season is looking promising for the Eagles as they travel into the postseason with many more records to be broken and more titles to be won. With the end of the season, one thing is for sure: success drives a group closer than before.