By the end of January, the Washington and Lee men’s and women’s track and field teams had already participated in four meets.
While their outdoor spring season does not begin until the middle of March, the indoor season is already in full swing.
The women’s team has found success in the first couple of weeks. They have had top ODAC performances in six of the 14 indoor events.
The women’s team is especially dominant in distance events such as the mile and 3,000-meter race.
In the mile, they have claimed four of the top six times and the four fastest times in the 3,000 for the ODAC this season. This includes a newly earned program record by Olivia Warr, ’27, in the 3000-meter race.
The team also has the fastest distance medley relay time by over 30 seconds.
For some, this success does not come as a surprise.
In 2024, many of these runners were busy winning their first ODAC cross country title after a five-year drought. The cross country team was led by Warr who was the individual ODAC champion.
Given that running is a year-round sport, it is clear that none of the women’s distance runners have lost a step since the fall season came to a close.
Besides the success in distance running, the women’s team has been successful in the 400-meter race and the pole vault.
Olivia D’Ambrosia, ’28, said she believes that Jesma Evans, ’26, and her older sister, Ashley D’Ambrosia, ’25, could break records in those events this year.
D’Ambrosia also said that thrower Katie Wood, ’28, and the 4-by-400 team are likely candidates to set program records, as well.
The two other individuals with top ODAC performances are Bailey Hedgemon, ’26, in the weight throw and Camille Gillum, ’26, in the high jump.
Despite the individuality of breaking records, collegiate track and field is a team sport.
When asked about the team’s dynamic, Mackenzie Morante, ’27, said, “As someone who played soccer my whole life and transitioned from a team sport atmosphere to track, I can confidently say that the support I receive from the track team here at W&L makes it feel just as much of a team sport as I felt with soccer.”
D’Ambrosia added that she is particularly close with her event group.
“We all know each other really well and know how to motivate each other,” she said. “We have a great dynamic.”
Members of the men’s team say their team has the same bond.
“Our group of guys is so close and we want the absolute best for each other, so there is never a doubt in the team aspect for me,” said Leo Avigliano, ’27.
Ethan De Fonseka, ’27, said the team’s closeness does not stop after practices and meets.
“I think we do a great job at hosting team events whether it be a team dinner, doing a fun activity together such as bowling, or just hanging out outside of practice,” he said.
Although they have slightly fewer top performances than the women’s team this year, Will Knight, ’26, has the top performance in the shot put this season. Keaton Rush, ’26, and Robert Cooper, ’27, have the top two times in the 5,000-meter race.
Other strong events for the men’s team include the 200 and 400, which are two of the fastest-paced and most viewer-friendly events.
Multiple members of the team said that students have two chances to watch them compete in Lexington.
On March 21, the men’s and women’s teams will compete in the W&L Carnival meet, and on Feb. 8, they will attend the VMI Winter Classic.
With still two months to go before the spring season begins, both the men’s and women’s teams have lofty goals for themselves.
“Our collective goal is to always perform as well as we can at ODACs and hopefully bring home the championship this year,” Avigliano said.
De Fonseka agreed. “I think the biggest goal for both the men and women’s team this season is to win ODACs,” he said. “We have a strong group this year and I could definitely see it happening.”
His statement also demonstrates a closeness between the men’s and women’s teams. The teams’ dynamic could help the Generals against its toughest competition: Lynchburg.
The Hornets were the only team standing in the way of the W&L men’s and women’s teams and an ODAC championship last year.
This year, Lynchburg is strong once again. In the men’s 3,000 this indoor season, they have recorded nine of the top 10 times and continue to show strength in other events as well.
Nevertheless, the Generals will work to improve on a solid start to their indoor season and capture their first ODAC title since 2020.