Between racing and being celebrated during their Senior Night, I was fortunate enough to speak with a few of the graduating runners about their careers on the Oakmont Track Team. Senior Devyn Chambers reflected back on her time running over the past four years.
“[My proudest moment was] going to Arcadia and running with that 4×100 team that we formed this year,” she said, “Having success there and getting a medal was beyond anything I’d felt before. It was incredible.”
She was referring to the Arcadia Invitational, a highly competitive and nationally respected meet that she, along with teammates Jenna Rothlisberger, Mariah Williams and Gracie Grant, competed at together. Rothlisberger, Chambers’ lifelong friend, shared what she would miss most about being a part of the team.
“I really love all my teammates, and I love practice. I look forward to [it] everyday,” Rothlisberger said, “Even though intervals are hard, I still appreciate them because I know hard work will make me better.”
While Chambers had health issues regarding respiratory illness, and Rothlisberger dealt with shin splints, their hard work certainly paid off. The value of consistency and determination is something they’ve learned from their years at Oakmont. However, all dedicated athletes face setbacks, including senior Caleb Hernandez, one of the team’s most successful athletes this year.
“My biggest challenge as an athlete during my four years was my knee injury, and then me getting sick right after that,” Hernandez said, “I was out for six weeks and out for another three weeks after that. I tried looking at it as a learning experience, because I can’t fix the past, but what I can do is live up every moment after that. I’m doing more than I ever thought I would do, and now I’m here. I’m here where I want to be.”
He certainly has accomplished a lot. This year, Hernandez has become the second fastest 3200 meter runner in Oakmont history, with his PR (personal record) standing at 9.29.23, just 10 seconds behind the record set in 2016. After the meet on senior night, he attempted to break that record, and while it didn’t go according to plan, his experiences with the team have given him the ability to “move on, and not let one bad race ruin [his] whole season.”
Aside from incredible achievements and personal growth, the seniors have had an unforgettable impact on their underclassmen teammates and friends. Freshman Jaciel Garcia shared how his season with the graduating seniors changed him.
“I’m gonna miss Joseph because I had a great connection with him,” Garcia said, “…we always played together at practice, and he helped me out [with] my problems. I’m gonna miss Caleb, since he helped me push myself and supported me when I needed it. I’m gonna miss Jenna because… she helped me improve as a person. [By the time I graduate], I want to have accomplished just being a good person the whole time.”
Building relationships with people who’ve done everything you hope to accomplish can be a life changing experience, and the seniors will never be forgotten. During the interviews, the seniors shared their final advice for the underclassmen.
“Love the grind of the sport,” Rothlisberger said, “It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it fun because you get to watch yourself improve. Always stay grateful for the opportunities you have.”
After years of hard work and total commitment to their sport, we thank our seniors for dedicating themselves to doing what they love. With the life lessons and memories they’ve made, track and field will always be a part of who they are, just as they will always be a part of the team, no matter what.
