The track and field season has had an explosive start this year, with many of their athletes running personal bests in the first couple of meets. So far this season, they’ve had four meets, including the Lake Mary Opening Classic, the Winter Park Wildcat Open, Sanford-Seminole Meet and the Mike Hill and Kristin McWilliams Carnival.
This year, the team has a new pole vaulter, junior Odin Wright. Wright was on the team last year and competed mainly in the 400 meter as well as the triple jump. However, this year, he’s attempting the imposing task that is pole vaulting. As a very difficult event, it requires strength, flexibility and focus.
“I pole vault because it is an event that anyone can succeed at if they work hard enough,” Wright said.
Recently, Wright set a new personal best of 10 feet 10 inches on the pole vault in the Wildcat open, earning him second place in the meet.
“This year my ultimate goal would be 13 feet,” Wright said.
Another high scorer this season is Colin Aysun, a standout among the track and field team. As a senior this year, it’s Aysun’s job to help set an example for younger runners and make sure they feel welcome on the team.
“I think that I can work on strategy, but also connecting more with younger athletes and motivating them,” said Aysun
Aysun most recently hit a personal best in the 1600 meters Feb. 2 at the Legends of Alachua County Invitational, running a 4:13.47. This prestigious time earned him first place for that event.
Another returning runner to the team is junior Nathanial Watson, a well known name on the team. Most recently, Watson hit a personal best in the 3000 meter run at the Sunshine Showcase running a 9:49.30, ranking him 23rd in the event.
His all time personal best in the 1600 meters is 5:01.42, scored last year in the 2025 track season.
Another runner on the team is sophomore Kenneth Dayton, a runner who followed the trail from cross country into track. As a newer member of the team, cross country has helped shape Dayton’s experiences on the track and field team.
“I joined the team because some friends recommended running to me, also I was attracted by the positive environment,” Dayton said.
The team is a very close knit group, exemplified by leaders such as seniors, who help younger runners feel welcome on the team.
“The season’s going great, we just had our first win [at Seminole] with every event having at least one Oviedo runner/athlete in the top three,” Aysun said.
