By Caden Simpson – Social Media Editor

The Jonathan Law track team continues to break records and qualify for Nationals as the 2023 school year comes to an end. The boys 4X100 ran a qualifying national time at the Amity Invitational, while simultaneously making SCCs and States. The 4X100 team has been drastically improving all year, and placed 7th at the CIAC States Meet. Advocate Social Media Editor Caden Simpson interview junior JT Nelly, the first leg of the 4X100 relay, about his season and where the team will be next year.

Caden Simpson: What was done differently in order to make the national qualifying time for the relay?

JT Nelly: Nothing really was done different, it was the consistency we had that led us to qualifying. Showing up everyday to practice, constantly critiquing our handoffs, and increasing the workout intensity.

CS: What did a normal practice look like for you specifically?

JN: For me, a normal practice was getting handoffs in, doing the sprinter workout, and then training for the decathlon. I would either go to long jump, high jump, shot, or javelin.

CS: Did you find it difficult adjusting when the anchor of the relay got injured?

JN: Losing our anchor was definitely challenging and changed certain aspects of the relay, although I wouldn’t say it was difficult to adjust. Our alternate Derek was prepared and there was a smooth transition between runners.

CS: How do you suspect the 4×100 will do next year, now that the two fastest seniors will be leaving?

JN: It will definitely be an adjustment, but I am confident that our 4X100 will be solid, and qualify for states again next year without a doubt. We have a lot of sophomores and juniors right now with a lot of potential, and once we get them to where they need to be, the team will be successful.

CS: What would you like to see done differently with the team next year?

JN: Next year, I would like for there to be more efficiency during practice. Getting down to the field and getting to work right away is how I want to conduct practices next year.