Franklin Central’s Boy’s Track & Field Distance team’s season officially opened March 19th, 2026 during the Fall Creek Qualifier Invitational with FC getting 5th in the 4×800 and 3rd in the Distance Medley Relay. Almost immediately after the cross country season ended, the distance team began working to get in shape for track.
One reason so many students love participating in track is because not only do you race against others, you race against yourself. Jack Foster, a freshman runner, is most excited about “getting PR’s in the mile.” Similarly, Evan Layne, also a freshman runner, runs track for “the chance to set better PR’s and get better times and be varsity.”
Aside from the competitive mood, runners also love the time they get to spend with friends. On long run days, students have upwards of an hour during runs to talk and spend time with fellow runners. Layne’s favorite moment from track so far was when “we went and had a sleepover after one of our meets.”
“I think the team chemistry is really good, I think we have one of the better team chemistry of all the teams, we are just like a brotherhood,” Layne said. This sense of togetherness is another bonus of participating in track.
For those interested in possibly running track in a future year, Layne gives solid advice. “Don’t try to start too fast, work your way up and eventually you will be right up there with everyone else,” Layne said. However, this does not mean track runners are lazy and don’t try. “You’ve got to train hard and be mentally prepared,” said Foster.
If you ran track in middle school, be prepared for differences. “High school track is more advanced with highly advanced training,” Foster said.
“High school track has a lot more difficult workouts, while middle school track is just to make the kids like it,” said Layne.
Distance track runners are hopeful for the upcoming season, and excited to get better and hang out with friends. Foster feels quite optimistic about this season as they get started.
“We’re gonna be pretty good this year.”
