Track Seniors Set the Standard

The Buffalo Bison track and field team is defined by more than just winning times and top finishes. With a roster made up of mostly freshmen, the team has built a culture centered on support, growth, and energy. Despite their youth, the athletes are coming together quickly, showing that their strong chemistry can form even in a new and developing group. Elijah Soukup ’26 manages the team, unable to run due to injury, and assists coaches during practice through a variety of tasks. Soukup takes photos at meets, tracks splits and race times , changes and fixes blocks, and manages the team’s social media accounts. Soukup hopes his efforts behind the scenes and on the track leave a positive impression on future managers and athletes.
“ I feel like I have done a good job,” said Soukup. “I’ve stayed connected with younger athletes, so I hope that I leave an impression.”
This focus on leaving a positive impression goes beyond just one person; it reflects back to the track team’s overall culture, where strong relationships and a sense of community are a big part of the experience. Because of this, the team continues to stand out not just for performance, but for the relationships built along the way. With a roster filled with younger athletes, the team’s seniors have taken on big leadership roles. Senior Rose Lamberts shared her experience of being on a team mostly made up of freshmen. Lamberts, who is primarily a long hurdler, holds the school record for the 100m dash and 300m low hurdles. She feels the impact of having a team mostly made up of freshmen.
“I feel like working with an almost entirely freshman is very rewarding, not necessarily measured by wins but by experience” said Lamberts. “I get to lead by example as a senior, but I also get to teach the new athletes how blocks work— things that I was taught when I was little. It’s like giving back to the seniors who helped me four years ago when I first joined track.”
While seniors lead the team’s younger athletes, one freshman holds an even closer senior to freshman bond. Abigail Lamberts ’29 who focuses on sprints and relays, is one of many freshmen on the varsity team. Lamberts shares the significance of the young varsity team and the people who impact her most.
“Rose is a leader in other ways,” said Lamberts. “She leads me and the track team in ways like staying on task, being positive in hard situations, warming up, and in general being an icon to look up to.”
Rose is Abigail’s older sister so being able to look up to her on track and at home is a unique experience. While having a sister to look up to, Abigail shares what it’s like to be a freshman on the varsity team.
“It means a lot, not a lot of people get the opportunity to be on varsity as freshmen… let alone for their second year. I feel like it is a big responsibility and opportunity that I am very grateful to have.”
This season may be remembered for how young the track team was but what really stands out is the culture and leadership behind it. From the way they connect with one another and the bonds they have created helps them compete as a younger team. In the end it’s not just about how young the team is, it is about how they compete together as a team.