Starting her freshman year of high school, Clara Sweetland found herself atop the hill joining the track and field team. She didn’t find her love for running, but rather she found her passion for throwing: shot put, discus and javelin.

Now, as a senior with more experience under her belt, not only has she captained the indoor track team, but has also captained the outdoor track team. As captain, Sweetland recognizes the importance of inclusion which allows everyone to have the best possible experience. 

“I want everyone to feel comfortable being around the team,” Sweetland explained. “I want to foster a positive environment for all.” 

While a positive environment is key to having a good season, Sweetland also acknowledges the mental challenges of being a track athlete like how hitting a certain time for runners or trying to beat a specific distance for throwers is difficult. 

“Track is both an independent and a team sport. You have to be able to score points for the team while also hitting a certain time or distance,” said Sweetland. “It’s one of the harder things and we have to support each other as a team in order to succeed.” 

As this is her final year, Sweetland has high hopes to leave the team in good standing both competitively and noncompetitively. This year, she is striving as her personal goal to make both the states and Naugatuck Valley League championships (NVLs). 

“Although I already qualified for NVLs, I’m still trying to make the state cuts,” Sweetland explained. 

Off the track, Sweetland hopes to be remembered as someone who had an overall positive impact on the team and as someone who always tried their best to make sure everyone had a place on the team. 

“I want to be remembered as the kind of captain who always included everybody,” Sweetland said. “I want everyone to be respected and have a positive environment in their respective disciplines.” Leaving a Mark