On Friday, Feb. 8, Lulu Brady, Marlee Paget, Lily Jones and Ashlyn Dary posted the second fastest time ever in the distance medley relay with a time of 12:53:97. This time is currently the 17th fastest time recorded in the event in the NCAA Division III this year.  

Ashlyn Dary, a freshman, ran the 1600 meters portion of the relay, helping her team reach the historic time. Dary says, “It makes me want to do it again. To try and break that record.” Dary, who placed eighth in the 3200 meters at the state championships her senior year, is excited for the upcoming spring track and field season while also looking forward to growing and improving throughout her future years at Whitworth.

“I’m looking forward to competing with my teammates while supporting them and cheering them on,” says Dary. Most of us have a common idea of how teamwork works in other sports, but track and field teamwork is slightly different than that of a more team-oriented sport like basketball or football. Dary says the most important thing with teamwork in a sport like track and field is, “Encouragement for sure, keeping a positive mindset and making sure everyone’s feeling good.” 

It’s not only the athletes who are accountable for making sure team chemistry is good and motivation is high to compete. A lot of that falls on the coaching staff. Toby Schwarz, in his 29th season as the head track and field coach, has been building Whitworth’s track teams into some of the top teams in the nation. Dary comments on Schwarz’s coaching by saying, “He is very motivating and enforcing… it is very helpful to me because it gives me an idea on what to focus on and helps me get better.” 

The spring season is bright for the Pirates as the men’s relay of London Haley, Logan Noble, JJ Martin and Jack Ireton went 10:39.34. It is the second-fastest time for the men and currently the 22nd fastest time in Division III. With a relatively young squad full of potential, the Pirates are sure to break records and swipe trophies this spring season.