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The Golden Eagles of Dalat

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By Hudson Brooks

The anticipation in the air was palpable. Silence filled the room as Mr. Upchurch read the words: “The Eagles of Dalat.” In an instant the room was filled with the loud cheers and celebration of our entire team. This was it, we had done it. Dalat is your 2025 ACSC Track and Field Champions. After a long and hard year where many of us had struggled with injuries and a season that was filled with questions, we had overcome the doubts and risen above. Winning the combined division trophy is nothing to scoff at. We were only here at the top because of the hard work each and every one of my fellow team members had put in. 

While it may not seem like it, Track and Field is a very team-oriented sport. Yes, you compete individually, but your team's performance is directly determined by how each member of the team performs. Furthermore, it takes great focus to be able to work constantly at something that hurts as much as running does. To be able to maintain such a focused view on the goal takes accountability from everyone else on the team. It takes a cohesive team and the love and support from our biggest fans, the parents, to be able to improve. 

Abe Johnson says that “The hardest part for me was waking up early for practice on the days that I didn’t want to, and remembering that the goal of success does not come from slacking off but from training hard.” His and others’ encouragement of those around them meant that our team was constantly pushing each other to improve themselves. He also says, “I could not have stayed focused on the goals of this year or trained as hard without my team pushing me to be the best.” 

It wasn’t all pain and hardship though. Track and Field is also a lot of fun. On the days of the meet, you’re able to directly watch each member of your team be able to perform well in what they’re good at, which is something you’re not able to do as much on any other team. This adds to the team dynamic of the sport because cheering for people directly affects their performance. 

As Kyra Lim says, “My favourite part of ACSC is being able to overcome that nervousness (of whether or not I can perform well) by being surrounded by such a loving and encouraging team.” 

Even though our team was able to win the title of ACSC champions this year, our defining feature was not the victory we achieved, the medals we won, or even the records we broke. The best part of the Dalat Track and Field program is the camaraderie of the athletes and time we get to spend growing together as a team. We are not the Track and Field team, we are the Track Family. 

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