How far can a small track team go against bigger teams? Mount Carmel’s is ready to find out. With returning veterans, fresh faces, and a packed schedule, the team is determined to make this season a memorable one.

The Caravans indoor season has already begun, with their next big meet scheduled at North Central College. The outdoor season will kick off in April. With a smaller number of members on the team, this is quite small compared to competitors, but they are focused on giving it their best efforts. 

“Right now there are seniors and a couple of sophomores who can probably go far this year,” head coach James Wilson said. “We’ve got some strengths in mid-distance, and if they keep working on their starts, we’ll see improvement in the longer sprints, too.”

Senior sprinter Tremain Dockery said that his personal goals include improving in the 100 and 60-meter sprints. 

“We’ve been working hard in the weight room and conditioning to get faster,” said Dockery, who is one of the several athletes that is looking to make a great impact for the team this season, along with senior teammate Michael Valerio. “Michael’s aiming for 50 seconds in the 400, which is a great goal,” Dockery added.

Senior Jason Isais, a very talented mid-distance runner, has his mind set on personal records. 

“I want to run the 800 in under two minutes and ten seconds and get my 400 time to around 53 seconds,” Isais said. He noted the importance of motivation during tough practices. “Sometimes I feel like stopping, but I remind myself, ‘Last set, best set,’ and push through.”

Mount Carmel’s preparation began in December with practices led by upperclassmen. After winter break, the team stepped it up with regular weekday practices. 

“We started with some organized runs before Christmas, but after break, we got serious with Monday through Friday sessions,” Isais explained. Many team members juggle track with other commitments. “I’m lucky that my schedule works out,” Isais said. “I go to [school play] rehearsals after practice, get most of my schoolwork done during the day, and try to avoid procrastinating.”

Although the team is small, they are very close with one another. “Everyone supports each other,” Isais said. “We work with the younger guys on block starts, record their runs, and help them improve.”

For this group, cohesiveness is important. “We’ve got great chemistry,” said Dockery. “Nobody’s afraid to ask for help, and we push each other to get better.”

The team’s size does make it a little bit more difficult. “Last year we had about 40 to 50 guys, and this year we’re down to around 20-30,” Coach Wilson said. “It makes scoring at meets tougher because other schools have more athletes in each event.”  

Isais knows that focus during practices is key. “Some younger athletes don’t take stretching seriously, and that can lead to injuries,” he explained. “We need to make sure we’re taking everything seriously so we’re ready on race day.”

Despite the challenges, the Caravan is optimistic. “We have more outdoor meets than usual, so there will be plenty of chances to compete,” Coach Wilson said. 

The team’s next big test comes at North Central College, where they will face some of the toughest teams in the conference. “It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re ready,” Dockery said.

With strong leadership and a committed roster, the Caravan track team is determined to make the most of every meet. 

“We’re a smaller team, but if we all give our best, that’s what matters,” Isais said.