Princeton University Athletics
Photo by: Beverly Schaefer
Track & Field Holds Intra-Squad
March 24, 2021 | Women's Track and Field
PRINCETON, N.J. – Championships. Records. Thrilling victories.
Over the years, many memorable moments have occurred on Sundays inside Weaver Stadium.
This past Sunday, a different type of memory was made. After months of training through COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, the Princeton University men's & women's track & field teams used their practice time as an intra-squad meet.
After following all of the required guidelines so well, the coaching staff rewarded the team with an opportunity to be in a competitive environment.
"I'm really happy for them," said head coach Michelle Eisenreich. 'We've been through so much over the last 12 months. The women have done a fantastic job continuing their training under really tough circumstances, as have the men. Today just is an opportunity for us to celebrate the work they've put in and to celebrate being able to be together as a team as well."
While the future is uncertain, allowing the team to pull on the uniform one more time is extra-meaningful for a sport like track & field. For athletes who only compete in outdoor events, this was the first competitive environment they had been in for two years.
"For senior athletes, it's even more important because they missed all outdoor season last year and this is their last go around," said William M. Weaver Jr. '34 Head Coach of Men's Track & Field Fred Samara. "They've dedicated their lives to this and this is an important part of their Princeton experience. I'm really happy for all of them."
The intra-squad was only possible due to the team's willingness to adhere to all the prescribed guidelines. Masks, social-distancing and modified practices have been taken in stride; this has not been lost on the coaching staff.
"They've worked so hard," said Assistant Coach Reuben Jones. "They've really bought into just being back and following all the protocols down to a tee without complaining. It's been incredibly hard, so it's kind of a reward to them just to show how hard they've been working over the past couple of months."
The intra-squad was a return to a competitive environment for senior Obiageri Amaechi, who has been making the most of her final semester as a Tiger.
"It wasn't something I expected to be able to do this year, there's been so many ups and downs," said Amaechi. "Today is such a blessing. Being out here with your teammates and getting another opportunity compete has been a great thing to have."
While for Amaechi it symbolized the beginning of the end, for others, it was an opportunity to experience Weaver Stadium on a warm spring Sunday for the first time. Freshman Kate Joyce, who had an outstanding day in the javelin, relished the opportunity to be in a competitive environment after a lengthy break.
"It's really exciting," proclaimed Joyce. "It makes me feel really good because I haven't been able to compete in two years so I really missed this whole environment. It's been really nice to do be around the team and do this."
Joyce was not the only Tigers to be donning the striped P for the first time. Freshman Jack Kenkel, who competed in the 600 meters, made the most of the opportunity on offer.
"It feels amazing to be able to race and get at least a little bit of competition, I'm super excited," said Kenkel. "It's been great to be on campus, training with the guys and the team."
In a challenging and unique year, the chance to don the striped P in on a warm and sunny Sunday inside Weaver was a just reward for all involved.
Over the years, many memorable moments have occurred on Sundays inside Weaver Stadium.
This past Sunday, a different type of memory was made. After months of training through COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, the Princeton University men's & women's track & field teams used their practice time as an intra-squad meet.
After following all of the required guidelines so well, the coaching staff rewarded the team with an opportunity to be in a competitive environment.
"I'm really happy for them," said head coach Michelle Eisenreich. 'We've been through so much over the last 12 months. The women have done a fantastic job continuing their training under really tough circumstances, as have the men. Today just is an opportunity for us to celebrate the work they've put in and to celebrate being able to be together as a team as well."
While the future is uncertain, allowing the team to pull on the uniform one more time is extra-meaningful for a sport like track & field. For athletes who only compete in outdoor events, this was the first competitive environment they had been in for two years.
"For senior athletes, it's even more important because they missed all outdoor season last year and this is their last go around," said William M. Weaver Jr. '34 Head Coach of Men's Track & Field Fred Samara. "They've dedicated their lives to this and this is an important part of their Princeton experience. I'm really happy for all of them."
The intra-squad was only possible due to the team's willingness to adhere to all the prescribed guidelines. Masks, social-distancing and modified practices have been taken in stride; this has not been lost on the coaching staff.
"They've worked so hard," said Assistant Coach Reuben Jones. "They've really bought into just being back and following all the protocols down to a tee without complaining. It's been incredibly hard, so it's kind of a reward to them just to show how hard they've been working over the past couple of months."
The intra-squad was a return to a competitive environment for senior Obiageri Amaechi, who has been making the most of her final semester as a Tiger.
"It wasn't something I expected to be able to do this year, there's been so many ups and downs," said Amaechi. "Today is such a blessing. Being out here with your teammates and getting another opportunity compete has been a great thing to have."
While for Amaechi it symbolized the beginning of the end, for others, it was an opportunity to experience Weaver Stadium on a warm spring Sunday for the first time. Freshman Kate Joyce, who had an outstanding day in the javelin, relished the opportunity to be in a competitive environment after a lengthy break.
"It's really exciting," proclaimed Joyce. "It makes me feel really good because I haven't been able to compete in two years so I really missed this whole environment. It's been really nice to do be around the team and do this."
Joyce was not the only Tigers to be donning the striped P for the first time. Freshman Jack Kenkel, who competed in the 600 meters, made the most of the opportunity on offer.
"It feels amazing to be able to race and get at least a little bit of competition, I'm super excited," said Kenkel. "It's been great to be on campus, training with the guys and the team."
In a challenging and unique year, the chance to don the striped P in on a warm and sunny Sunday inside Weaver was a just reward for all involved.
Players Mentioned
Throws
/ Women's Track and Field
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/ Women's Track and FieldTuesday, June 04
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