Strong Leadership Steering Cambridge Track To Success
February 12, 2023
CRLS indoor track has been outpacing the Dual County League (DCL). As the second half of the season gets underway, both the girls and boys indoor track teams have started off the season strong and are poised to be championship contenders in the DCL. Both teams owe a large part of their success to their respective captain duos. Seniors Kylee Bernard and Ruri Duffy lead the way, with juniors Paul Colombo and Jacob Bronstein heading the distance team. Juliette Coley ’24 told the Register Forum, “Our two captains provide an ideal balance.” She explains that Bernard is “highly disciplined, and is obviously an exceptional runner, so she’s someone you can go to for advice on track rules, health, and form.” Duffy complements these traits by “encouraging others with her positive attitude, which keeps the energy high during what can be stressful practices and meets.” The effort to welcome younger members has clearly been highly effective.
The combined experience of the two has helped push the girls team to surpass expectations at their first meet. If they can continue with their performance, they expect to compete with the best the DCL has to offer. Distance runner Gael Medina ’25 tells the Register Forum that their captains are focused on building a healthy environment with good chemistry in order to maximize the potential of the young, promising team. The effort to welcome younger members has clearly been highly effective, as the 4×200 boys Freshman and Sophomore team recently won gold and set a record at the state invitational.
Bronstein and Colombo, the boys long-distance captains, are put in a unique position. With no senior long-distance runners, they are hoping to have a successful season, while also focusing on longevity in order to maximize their potential as a team. Bronstein told the Register Forum that they are both hoping to pose a “greater threat to other teams in the DCL competing for the league championship,” and that “[they want to] bring more people on our team to the next level and face tougher competition [in the outdoor season].” Bronstein is leading the team in terms of success this season, as he remains undefeated and in hot pursuit of the all-time school record in the 600 meter. Despite being just past the halfway mark of the season, these impressive times have already landed him a spot in the state tournament. In terms of the development of culture and chemistry, Bronstein praises his junior classmates: “Our group of juniors have been great leaders this season and have been holding the team together and making sure everyone, especially those new to the team, feels welcome and needed.”
The chemistry and effectiveness of these units are only furthered by the fact that the core of the group spends the whole year together during the cross-country and indoor/outdoor track seasons. With promising talent and strong leadership, the future is looking very bright for Cambridge track.
This article also appears in our January 2023 print edition.
