For most track teams, seasons are measured in splits, sprints, throws, and jumps. This year, the Pumas had a few more bumps on the track.

“It was the third week of the season when the interim athletic director [for Roosevelt] informed us that we didn’t have the proper paperwork,” coach Kayla Robertson said.

Senior sprinter and hurdler Sonya Carter was on a trip in Ireland when she heard the news. 

“That was definitely difficult for me because I couldn’t physically be there to support my team and my coaches,” Carter said. 

UPrep returned to the Roosevelt track full time on April 28. Before the good news, the team had to adapt quickly for practice.

“I was really upset,” Carter said. “Our coach, she has worked so hard, and she has spent so much time trying to build up a relationship with Roosevelt High School.”

Robertson worked at Roosevelt for two years prior to her job at UPrep, and her connections there enabled the Pumas to use the track at Roosevelt for the past 13 years.

“The coaches are working so hard to try to get us places where we can practice,” Carter said. “So I think my job as captain is to keep the athletes motivated, encouraged, and creative.”

 Sophomore distance runner Logan McKay is also on the cross-country team, and mentions that his cross-country experi

ence has helped him adjust to the rougher conditions on Dahl Field: a park next to UPrep that includes a graveled trail.

 “We did a lot of hill training in cross country, so that helps us deal with the hills and the dirt on Dahl,” McKay said.

Surfaces like turf and grass are a lot slower than a track surface, according to Robertson.

“Even just that sensation, if you’ve been training on turf or grass, once you get to the track, you’re feeling so much faster,” Robertson said.

The team was unable to measure exact distances of events while practicing on Dahl.

“For distance runners, we haven’t really had to adapt too much because we just have a lot of easy mileage, just go run five miles, which you can do on the track or off the track,” McKay said. 

In contrast, the sprinters have had much more trouble without a track due to the changing surfaces.

“Part of that is because a lot of it is highly technical,” Robertson said.

For many events, the team needs equipment like a sand pit or hurdles.

“We were creative and explored some new measurements on the turf for the sprinters,” Robertson said. “I also try to emphasize, like, our meets are also the opportunity to train and practice and get better.”

Despite these impediments, the Pumas logged 52 personal bests as a team at their conference meet on April 9 at King’s High School.

“Our team is committed to putting in the work and effort regardless of what the space looks like,” Robertson said.

Carter agrees and feels that the team has done a good job adjusting to the unfortunate turn of events.

According to Robertson, the past seasons with Roosevelt were positive.

“It was always like, ‘sure, you guys are welcome,” Robertson said. “‘Come on, join us, share the space’.”

Before the school returned from spring break, as a temporary alternative, the Pumas were also using the turf soccer fields at Shoreline Center Park.

“Even having access to Shoreline turf, which is what [Athletic Director Rebecca] Moe gave

us in the meantime, has been extremely beneficial,” Robertson said.

Robertson appreciates the team’s positive attitude.

Photo: Gabe Granby

In December, senior sprinter and hurdler Sonya Carter (pictured above) committed to run track at the Division III level for Wellesley College. “I would like to have a really strong year, so not having a track makes it a lot harder,” Carter said. Carter qualified for districts in the 4x200 meter relay, 4x100, 300m hurdles, and 100m hurdles last year. She missed out on state in all four events, but was 17 milliseconds off the mark in the 100m hurdles. “I was really frustrated last year with that,” Carter said. “That was my big motivator for this year.”

“I think a lot of them, when they get to the track, it feels even more exciting and we don’t take it for granted,” Robertson said.

For track, as well as other sports, UPrep often relies on other schools and their facilities.

“It’s partly community engagement,” Robertson said. “Being a local Seattle school, it’s important for us to participate and support local programs and spaces.”

With their logistical struggles in the rearview mirror and postseason meets nearing, Robertson hopes the team can focus on their season.

“Regardless of what the final outcome is at the finish line, they can cross the finish line or complete their throw and be really proud of their effort,” Robertson said. “Whatever the place that they earn or the mark that they get, it’s still a celebration. It doesn’t take away from their hard work this season.”