Spring is in like a lion and out like a lamb. Almost the same can be said about the beginning of the outdoor track, the only difference being track members end their season with the ferocity of a lion. For many of the athletes, the season started in the winter months. For others, as the air got warmer, the outdoor track season drew closer. Conditioning began at the end of February, and mandatory practices started in March. “The worst part about the beginning of the [season] is making the change from [running] inside to outside because of shin splints and not being in shape,” Sophomore Jared Hogue said. Unfortunately, the team lost a few days of practice due to the recent bomb threats. Even though they lost a few practices, this didn’t hinder their performance. The first scrimmage of the season was March 12 against Ellwood City. Overall, the athletes did really well. According to Senior Noah Marks, a lot of the team members placed in first. Senior Emilee Handyside was one of those skilled runners. “[Winning first place] was pretty awesome considering that it was my first open 400 I’ve ever run,” Handyside said. It was so “awesome” to her because she is usually an 800 meter runner, but in order to be get ready for college soccer, she is working on more sprinting this season. As seniors leave, newcomers enter. There are a lot of new additions to the team this year, and these new members aren’t all freshmen either. Junior Ryan Whipple is taking a “shot” at throwing for Freedom, and saying that he simply likes being a part of the team is an understatement. Even though this was his first year ever participating in track, he has felt “accepted right away.” He even competed in the first meet just like everyone else. “I really like it because it’s really laid back, and you have fun while improving your times and scores,” Whipple said. All it took was a random suggestion from a friend to have some laid back fun, and Whipple would suggest that others give it a try.