Rushing off to college
Pandemic blows the whistle on senior runner’s final season
photo credit: Isabella Flores
Time’s up \\ Running at the Desoto track meet Feb. 22, senior Emily Flores competes in one of her final high school runs. The track season, and all spring sports, were cut short due to the coronavirus quarantine. Flores will continue running at Cowley College in the fall. “The past three years all the work I’ve put in feels like it has gone to waste,” Flores said. “It was supposed to be my big year. I didn’t want to end my high school career like this.”
Track season officially met its finish line March 13. The season was postponed due to coronavirus.The heart broken athletes can’t out run this issue.
“I hate that the season ended, but protecting and saving lives is the most important thing right now,” Head Track Coach Jason Olford said.
Senior Emily Flores has been a part of the varsity track program since her freshman year.
“The past three years all the work I’ve put in feels like it has gone to waste. It was supposed to be my big year. I didn’t want to end my high school career like this,” she said.
Flores competes in the 800m, 400m and 4×4.
I’m not ever going to meet a coach like Coach Olford. He’s like a dad to us.
— Emily Flores, senior
“I get an adrenaline rush every time I compete,” Flores said. “I feel empowered because it’s mentally challenging.”
The runner received an athletic scholarship to Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity. Track has taught me nothing is handed to you in life and you have to work for it,“ Flores said.
Even though she is excited for this new chapter in her life, she is also sad to leave.
“I’m not ever going to meet a coach like Coach Olford. He’s like a dad to us. I have also made lifelong bonds with my teammates,” Flores said.
Next up for her is graduation and then plans to win a national title with her new team at Cowley.
