A bittersweet feeling is in the air as senior year is coming to an end for the class of 2023. The long awaited finale of high school is finally upon us, but many, if not most, are sad to see it here so fast. This is especially true for the hard working student athletes here at Ironwood Ridge. Three seniors on the track and field team in particular are sad to see the season coming to an end, but happy to reminisce about the great times they had.
Senior Victoria Lopez tells the Iron Quill how she’s been involved in track for seven years, beginning her journey in fifth grade. She also shared her favorite memory from the 2022 – 2023 track season which is the Nighthawk invitational, where the girls 4×400 team surpassed all other schools to take first place. With their joint efforts and determined attitude, they were able to work together perfectly to achieve their goal. When asked what track means to her, she responded, “Track is everything to me. It takes up all my time since I run year-round. If I didn’t do this sport, I don’t know what else I would do with my time”. Her events have differentiated over the years, but this season they are the 400, 4×100 relay, and the 4×400 relay. She noted that track has always, and will always be an important part in her life. Lopez was also asked what the legacy she wants to leave at IRHS, and she responded, “I would want to leave behind how much time I’ve spent loving the sport that I do. No matter how exhausting it can be mentally and physically, the end result of always improving is the best part“. When asked why she participates in this sport, she replied “I do track for myself. It’s my way of coping with everything. The physical health benefits are just a plus”. Victoria Lopez is known all around as an exceptionally hard worker, who will stop at nothing until her goal is achieved. After high school, Lopez plans to enlist in the United States navy as an active duty medic. She would like to continue running for the Navy track and field team if the opportunity arises.
The Iron Quill also spoke with Senior Kayton Garret. Kayton has participated in track and field for two years now, and his events this season are long jump and triple jump. He was first asked why he ran track, and his reply was, “The reason I do track is to show that with a passion to compete and the desire to make a name for myself, anything is possible ‘’. Garret also expressed how he participates in this sport for his family, but most importantly for coach Smith, and coach Akin. Two people who’ve taught him that you have to have a hard work ethic to excel in anything you do. When asked what he was going to miss about running for Ironwood Ridge, he said, “Getting dinner with the team after meets, and being able to all come together outside of the sport to be a family”. This goes to show that participating in a team sport gives you personal satisfaction, but also a safe place with people who share the same passions and interests you do. The legacy Kayton wants to leave behind after graduating is, “It doesn’t matter your situation, where you come from, or how old you are, if you want it, go get it. Have that desire to be the best and most positive person you can always be”. Kayton is a kind person, and a friend to all. He will take this mentality with him for the rest of his life. After High School, Garret plans to attend college at Elmhurst University, where he will be running track and field while simultaneously working towards a Business and Kinesiology degree.
Devon Walkenhorst is the final senior the Iron Quill spoke with. Devon‘s main event this season is pole vault, and has been taking part in track for three years now. He was asked how he thinks he’s improved this season as far as track, and he responded with, “As a senior, I have definitely improved over the years. I’ve pole vaulted higher than when I started, and I have also been better at being involved with the team as the years have gone on”. Continuous improvement was a constant throughout the entire team, especially in Walkenhorst’s case. The Iron Quill also inquired about why he participates in this sport, and Devon replied with because he likes it. As simple as that. He was quoted saying, “I do track for myself. The end goal that I’m working towards is making lifelong memories”. Track, as any sport goes, is time consuming, and all the grueling hours and days the athletes spent together, ultimately helped them come closer together as a singular unit. When asked what his favorite memory from this year was, Walkenhorst replied, “When I pole vaulted 12 feet 7 inches at the Greenway Invitational, and brought points for our team”. Even after that amazing accomplishment, Devon was still thinking as a team player. As Highschool comes to a close, Devon plans to attend Northern Arizona University up in Flagstaff. NAU unfortunately does not have a pole vaulting team, so Devon is unable to compete at the collegiate level. Even though this situation isn’t ideal, there is no doubt Devon will continue to achieve great things.
Victoria Lopez, Kayton Garret, and Devon Walkenhorst are the epitome of what it means to be a Nighthawk. Hard work and determination have got them where they are today, and it will continue to guide them far in life. The class of 2023 is coming to a close, but the journey is far from over. Congratulations class of 2023!