The track team has faced several challenges so far this season, but making their way to playoffs proved to be a successful venture. After winning a meet involving six schools on April 14, both boys’ and girls’ track teams have accomplished this feat. This large meet took place as a result of several meet cancellations. Freedom was scheduled to have a meet with Beaver, which was cancelled and rescheduled. The rescheduled date did not coincide with either team’s schedules, so a make-up meet was scheduled, which ended up branching out to involve five other schools in total. This mini-invitational included Beaver, which, according to Sophomore Emilee Handyside, is Freedom’s “arch nemesis” when it comes to track. Several track members were concerned about facing Beaver, which is the toughest meet, according to jumper Mariah McGlothlin. “If we don’t beat Beaver, we don’t go to playoffs,” Sophomore Adam Shawger agreed. Aside from making their way to playoffs, the track team has also faced one challenge that was entirely out of their control: the weather. With recent weather conditions ranging from snow to rain to hail, the track team needed to adapt their practices and training. Because working outside was not an option, practices needed to be moved inside or sometimes entirely postponed. “We couldn’t pole vault at all since we had no pit,” Junior Costa Barlamas said. “[Practicing has not] been consistent, and it’s hard to adjust to weather conditions.” Sprinter Eddie Barlow disliked having to do “many, many ab workouts” as a result of practicing inside. The amount of sprints also increased because hallways did not prove to be a very long make-shift track. Other track members felt that the erratic weather did not set them back. Throwers still practiced outside during rain and worked on form. “Inside or outside, it works either way,” Shawger said.