With the new track in place, Langley hosts its first outdoor track meet in years on April 9th.

Everyone remembers the track of old; a bubble-infested, uneven mess that felt more like a gravel road than an athletic venue. For years, spring track endured the worst of it and are more than excited to welcome a new era of Track and Field. For the first time in over three years at Langley, the team brings home-field advantage into the discussion.

Wednesday, April 9th at 5:00 pm, the Spring Track and Field Team will host McLean, South Lakes, and Marshall high schools in an early-season battle for control of the Liberty Conference. In between two other meets in a matter of a week, running at home will give the team a nice break from their annual Christopher Newport weekend competition before the important Woodbridge meet.

“Having a home meet early in the season is a good thing because our athletes are all healthy around this time and usually competing at a high level,” said hurdler coach Joshua Culver. Following a less-then-stellar season last year, the new home-field attraction is promising for the upcoming class of runners. The event could draw more than one event in one year and bring Langley students a motivation to go to the meets and cheer on their beloved Saxons. “We are more than excited to host this spring,” said junior pole-vaulter Conor Maddry. “We have amazing senior talent this year and are looking to capitalize with a big season this year before they graduate. This meet could be big for our confidence.” “In my four years on track I have never seen fans come to any of our meets,” said senior hurdler Eric Hsu. “The possibility of having fans actually come out to watch us is a big motivation for us to reach and surpass our expectations for this season.”

For teams with five or six home games a year like lacrosse and soccer, the feeling of having only one event a year seems unfortunate at best. For the seniors on track, it’s a blessing. “This really means a lot to our seniors that have not been able to compete in front of their own family and friends,” continued Culver. “Being able to finish your senior season with a home meet is very exciting for them. They deserve to show their home crowd why this sport is very important to them.”

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