Rye High School’s track team ended its indoor season on a high note, sending its sprint medley relay team to the Nike Indoor Nationals, where Jake Zion, Will Squarek, Aka Udeagha, and Joe Chai broke the event’s school record. Squarek also went on to place 16th in the 600-meter middle-distance run at the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Now, with a successful winter season in the rearview mirror and some new faces on the track and on the field, the team shifts into its spring season.

This team is a mix of experienced track-and-field stars and newcomers to the sport. “We have a bunch of seasoned seniors this year,” Coach Kevin Murphy said. “Squarek, Zion, Jessica and Sophie Bourne, Aine Kennelly, Sophia Shoemaker – they’re all going to be key players.” And there are juniors such as long

jumpers Rockland Boisseau and Henry O’Rorke, and thrower Harrison Kaplan, who are expect- ed to shine in the field events.

“Last year was a great development year,” Murphy said. “We learned a lot about the diverse range of talent on the team.” This year promises more improvement, as many of the students are new to track and field. “The hardest part,” he said, “is getting to know the athletes individually, finding out what they’re good at, and developing their techniques and skills. But that’s also the best part.”

Having switched leagues this year within the region’s Section I athletic structure, Murphy said, Rye’s track team now considers Ardsley High as its fiercest competitor, with Eastchester and Pelham high schools close behind.

Rye Track had not secured a league title in its old league for the past six years. (It finished second last spring.) But both the team’s coaches and athletes say they are determined to win their new league’s title this spring.