This past weekend, our Lion’s indoor track team went to the BIG borough of Manhattan to participate in the New Balance National Championship in New York. This event featured the best of the best; even 2016 Rio games U.S. Olympic 400m Hurdler Sydney McLaughlin participated.

The competition was thick, but our Lions persevered. Our Girls’ Shuttle Hurdle team–stacked with Kiara Ann- Davis, Tania Dunbar, Yasmine Silmone, and Tamia Arnold–placed 5th nationally and returned “All Americans,” which is a very prestigious title that will possibly bring national attention to Tallwood’s track program.

A team only graduating one senior, when asked about leadership and hard work, captain and well sought after senior hurdler Kiara Ann-Davis said, “Being a senior leader was definitely challenging, knowing that the rest of the team looks to me to really provide that spark that comes with experience. In the end all of the hard work, tears, and bad days are worth it when you finish your season doing better than what you and your team expected.”

Speaking of perseverance, one great example is sophomore Tania Dunbar. Dunbar was disqualified in the individual 55m hurdles earlier in the meet. With ill spirits, she was able to gather herself and give her best effort in the relay, which resulted in the team’s placement in the race.

“Placing was refreshing, but being named an All-American was crazy. I was really surprised, but I had confidence and knew we were going to place,” Dunbar stated.

With the girls shuttle hurdle team placing, it was only right the boys did the same. The boys made a great effort. With a combination of skill and experience, Raykwon Mcclenny, Leander Cooper, Isaiah Robertson, and Aswald Muhammad placed 10th nationally in the boys 55m shuttle hurdles.

“Nationals was a really good experience and a good way to end the indoor season. We did really well and executed our events. With that being said, we still have work to do with outdoor coming,” said Cooper when asked about the grand stage of High School Track and Field.

Mcclenny had similar words: “Nationals was okay; I think it was a good experience and kind of a tune up for the outdoor season. It also helped me realize what I needed to work on personally as an athlete. I am also really lucky to even compete after missing a majority of the season due to a bad ankle injury.”

When asked, Coach Shannon, the hurdles coach, had nothing but good things to say.

“You perform the way you practice; if you slack in practice, it’ll show in the meet. They take practice seriously. Sometimes they slack, but they’re teenagers; an off day is almost guaranteed, but the leaders do a good job of pulling it back together. They understand if they work hard, they’ll get the results they’re looking for.”

All in all the Lions definitely made a name for themselves and they are very excited for this upcoming outdoor season that’s right around the corner.

See the links below for stories from the March 22 issue of The Roaring Gazette.

News

GSWLA Holds First Ever Academy Ball by Cassidy O’Neal

Cujardo vs. Pi(e) by Ariana Hernandez

Drama Students to Debut Hairspray this Month by Elena Day

Sports

Tallwood Track Shines at Indoor Nationals by Richard Ruffin

Boys’ Soccer Looks Ahead by Dylan Klepk

Tennis Prepares for Spring Season by Tyler Dennis

Features

Meet a Lion: Ms. Vera Dozier by Ophelia Reid

Opinion

Social Media Facilitates Bullying by Caitlyn Anderson

Tribute to a Favorite Teacher: Mr. Weiss by Marissa Howell

Arts and Entertainment

“For Honor” an Honorable Effort from Ubisoft Games by Charles Romano

“Zoo” Poses a Terrifying “What If?” by Erin Nathan