By Jesus Vargas

 On September 20th, a Meridian Sports reporter interviewed track and field team members on the coming season and the challenges of a student-athlete going beyond the limits of the field. 

This season began with a new coach, just like the season prior, which is a recurring pattern for this track team. The team shattered expectations and surpassed their limits with former track coach Jelani Knight in the previous season. When asked about their experience with Coach Knight, team members acknowledged his coaching capabilities. They understood that the rigorous training sessions would help them become their best.

Statements like “It was pretty good. I felt as though Coach Knight was very welcoming.

Because it was technically my first year doing track, seeing as how I only ran three races total in my senior year of high school,” said Oludemilade Lekan Michael.

“Last year’s season with Coach Knight was successful since the main goal was to make a name for ourselves individually, breaking school records and becoming the champion of your event. Which motivated everyone even more since you’re focused on the main event.” 

“It was a good experience. I learned a lot and found an area I'm good at due to his coaching. He was respectful and knew what we all needed to work on in our specified areas.” 

With the departure of Coach Knight, the track program pivoted in a new direction by hiring a new head coach, Rene Cintron, on August 19th. The season starts with a new coach, which seems to be recurring for Lehman’s track team.

Coach Cintron’s reason for joining Lehman was his history there. “I’m a Lehman alumni that ran track in 2011 and graduated in 2013. When I heard there was a position open for a new head coach, I saw it as a way to give back to the school that gave so much to me.” He furthered his statement by saying, “There’s always going to be some challenges you would encounter coaching a new team, especially consistency. Instilling that in this team will take time, but the group of kids are excellent and are very coachable. But consistency requires them to be in shape, to have a championship mindset, but most importantly to have integrity not just to others but to each other as a team.”

Some members still feel positive about the new coach. “I could say everyone has their own way of working. Even though Coach Knight had a huge impact on my performance last year, changes happen, and you learn from them. In other words, I feel that I could learn new things from the new coach."  said a team member who wishes to remain anonymous.

When asked what the team thought their biggest challenge would be this season with Coach Cintron, they answered, “The biggest challenges would be more in the authority role because we had a different coach last year. We have a new one this year, so now it will be hard to listen to him and follow his directions. We may feel like he's doing many things wrong, but again, we must ease into many things.” 

However, Coach Cintron remains optimistic that the track team will triumph this year. “My expectation is for the team to compete at a high level. Of course, there’s a championship in mind, but every Cuny school wants that. A championship takes time, and to do that, you have to plan meticulously and be patient.”  

Other team members are focused on building team chemistry, a crucial piece of the puzzle in team sports.“Pretty much the team is moving slowly at the moment because not many are interested in the cross-country season and are waiting for the indoor and outdoor season to start. The coach is still new and adjusting to everything, but it's somewhat putting things on an unsteady surface.”

"The expectations for some on the team are low after winning the bronze last year; some see it as a rebuilding year. This is 100% a rebuilding season. We’re coming for our comeback. Every team is always striving for gold, including us. Many people want to engage, so I think this could be very helpful to be better this season, said Oludemilade Lekan Michael.

Others seemed hopeful and are relishing in what the new year has to offer. “It is definitely a rebuilding season since more than half of the team are freshmen.” Michael continues, “They have a lot of talent, which could help us bring back a chip. However, some members are trying to pick up the pieces of an already dismantled team.”

Coach Cintron says “This team has to be willing to sacrifice not only the coaching staff but the runners as well. The team has already initiated a rigorous weight training program for a month. With the indoor season being 3 weeks away, I’m positive that we will be ready by then. My motto for this team is getting 1% better every day because only then can this team reach its fullest potential. 

As the new season approaches, uncertainty looms over the fresh lineup of runners. While optimism sparks among some team members, the true test will come when they face off against seasoned competitors. Will their hope sustain them in the heat of competition, or will reality temper their enthusiasm? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the journey ahead promises valuable lessons and growth, regardless of the outcome. As they lace up their shoes and hit the track, the team stands at the threshold of potential, embracing whatever challenges lie ahead. With this rebuild, some track members are in high spirits: "We're 100% going to the podium this year.” However, can this team reclaim their championship glory as they did in the 2023 season, or will they have reached the end of the line?