At this season’s first track and field meet at Eastern Michigan University, senior Jaylind Motton and junior Allison Frankart broke the school records for high jump and pole vault, respectively. Later, at the distance night in late May, senior Jackson Lam smashed the school record for the men’s varsity 1600-meter. These records had stood for decades, and breaking them was a huge moment for the athletes and the team as a whole.
“I feel good leaving high school having that on my record and being able to go to college for it,” said Motton.
He jumped an impressive height of 6’10”, placing first in the men’s varsity high jump.
Motton has been jumping for Norrix since his sophomore year while also playing on the football team. Recently, his beloved football coach and teacher, Ted Duckett, passed away after serving Loy Norrix for 57 years.
“Mentally, I just wanted to do good for my coach that recently passed away, Coach Duckett,” said Motton. “I wanted to show out for him. Everything I do is for him.”
The other long-standing record was broken by Frankart, who vaulted an outstanding height of 10’6”, placing third in the women’s pole vault event. Later in the season, she broke it twice more, vaulting 10’9” and qualifying for the state meet.
“That was my number one goal for the season, and I was just really happy that I broke it at the first meet,” said Frankart.
Even more records were later broken at the regional meet at Portage Central, including a 4×800 record broken by Jack Miller, Graham Sleper, Nico Morales and Jackson Lam. More 4×800 relay records were broken by Lilly Harthorn, Abby Milliken, Teagan Borick and London Twyman.
In order to achieve their goals, these athletes had to show up and practice hard to improve their skills. Often, these athletes find cross-training from other sports to help with their track skills. They will also use track to improve their skill in other sports.
“My background in gymnastics and diving helped with my strength and everything, and my body mechanics,” said Frankart.
Another big influence on these athletes is their peers and mentors who support them. According to Lindenwood University, integration into a social community can improve a student-athlete’s long-term success.
“My teammates, they’re there supporting me on the sidelines, giving me the mentality boost and helping me perform better,” said Motton.
These athletes have persisted though so much this year, and their hard work this season has reflected in their individual accomplishments and overall success.
