Archer’s 2016-2017 varsity track and field team started off the season with a new coach and lots new runners, but that did not prevent the Panthers from having a successful season.

This season, the team went to four Liberty League meets where Archer competed in both running and field events. A record six team members qualified for this year’s CIF-SS Division 4 prelims, which will be held at Carpinteria High School on Saturday, May 13, at noon.

A few of the season’s standout runners include freshmen Nia Mosby and Hailey Adams, who both qualified for the CIF prelims. Adams will compete in the 100 meter and 200 meter events, while Mosby will compete in the 400 meter and 200 meter events.

Although both Adams and Mosby have had past experience running competitively, this is their first year competing on Archer’s track and field team. They both noted that it was not only a great way to improve their individual skill, but also a great opportunity to bond with their peers.

“[Track and field is] an individual sport, but you also have this great chance to be on the relays, which incorporates the team [aspect],” Adams said. “You can make really great bonds with people. It’s something that makes me really happy.”

Adams credits her personal successes to her focus on form.

“I definitely improved more on my technique and the way I run,” Adams said. “I feel like that’s taken me further than I would’ve thought because it’s something that I never really knew about before.”

Mosby, however, started the season injured, which taught her various life lessons.

“I think this season I definitely learned patience,” Mosby explained, “I learned that when I trained harder, I would have a better outcome.”

In addition to Adams and Mosby, Archer will also send four other track and field athletes to CIF-SS prelims. Miaya South ’19 will compete in pole vault, and Caitlin Chen ’19, Lena Jones ’20 and Dominique White ’18 will participate in relays.

The CIF-SS finals are schedule for Saturday, May 20, at Cerritos College.