As Fossil Ridge High School’s track team approaches the end of their season, four senior athletes will be continuing their track careers in college. Three of which are females including; Sydney Teslow, Morgan Stewart, and Mia Valvur. The fourth athlete that will run in college is Blake Hubert. These athletes will look to continue their success at their respected schools.

California State University-San Marcos is a very fortunate school as they will be welcoming Sydney Teslow in the fall. She plans to pursue Pre-Med and potentially Biology as well as run for the track team. “It has always been a dream of mine to go to college in California, so I’m so excited for that. I am also running for them so I’m excited to see the difference between high school running and running at the collegiate level.”

People tend to believe that track is solely an individual sport yet it is relatively the opposite. This concept was a major focus for Teslow during her four years running for Fossil was not only running for herself but also running for the team. “It’s easy to just focus on yourself during a race and only worry about your time, but it is much bigger than that.” This idea is one that Teslow has learned from track and she hopes to bring that with her into college.

Leading up to the moment she signed her letter of intent, Teslow was stressed. As a senior approaches graduation, the anxiety and pressure kicks in. The decision on where their futures will lead is a life changing one and Teslow felt all of those emotions that go with it. “I was very anxious about this new step in my future and I was worried I would make the wrong decision.” The stress got to her and showed in a few of her performances during the cross country season and the beginning of the track season prior to signing day. The race following signing her letter of intent, Teslow’s stress was gone and she was focused on preparing to run in college.

Teslow holds the two-mile (3200m) school record for Fossil and that is one of her favorite memories of being a Sabercat track athlete. Running for her high school team has allowed her to form lifelong friendships. Another favorite memory she holds was during a tournament in Kansas and Idaho. The team drove thirteen hours together in a bus instead of attending their own prom. “I was voted prom queen by the team even though I was a sophomore.” The team will always hold a special place in her heart even though she can’t wait to experience college and make new friendships and memories.

Close to home is where Morgan Stewart will be as she will continue throwing discus and shot put for Colorado State University. She plans to study Spanish and Environmental Engineering. Unlike Teslow, Stewart has only competed for Fossil track since her sophomore year but has enjoyed being a part of a team. “I love the feeling of comradery  that accompanies being on a track team, it motivates me to perform my best because I know I need to do my part to contribute to the team’s success.”

Track has brought a whirlwind of new experiences for Stewart. One of of which was a mid-way cancel of a track meet that resulted in a bonding moment around a grill hot with burgers with the throwing athletes her junior year. The excitement of competition and being a part of a team won her over and helped lead her to decide to continue discus and shot put at the collegiate level. “I have worked hard to get the level of an athlete that can compete in college.”

Participating in track can be a mental obstacle. “With the help of an amazing coach my senior year, I have learned how to prepare myself mentally for a meet and overcome mental obstacles which has lead to be successful not only in track but in life.” The lessons and skills that Stewart has learned through track will carrying with her into college and allow her to perform at her best.

With graduation only a few weeks away, Mia Valvur is looking forward to becoming a part of the Pacific University Oregon track team. She plans to study Biology and play the sport she loves without a binding contract at this Division III school.

An adventure of mental toughness and excitement has lead Valvur to this road toward participating in track at the collegiate level. Her favorite memory was dreading returning to practice after spring break and having to undergo “Shavers”, a long and tough workout. “It always felt so good to finish that workout but it showed me that I can get through anything if I put my mind to it.”

Always looking to improve and compete at her full potential, Valvur will strive in college. “It’s a slow process to get better. You don’t just start out an excellent athlete, you have to work your way there but it’s such a good feeling when you get there.” Her determination has shown throughout her four years competing for Fossil and will continue to be present in college.

Just a drive up North, Blake Hubert will be welcomed to the University of Wyoming in the fall where he plans to pursue a degree that incorporates Agriculture. The long distance star has only competed for Fossil track since his sophomore year, yet holds the school record in the 3200m. The pure talent that he has will be an asset to the Cowboys.

Running is something that Hubert looks forward to almost every day and is the ultimate reason why the decision to compete in college was not a difficult one. This is what he is most excited about going to Wyoming as well as form friendships. “At fossil I have made most of my best friends from track and cross country because we have such a great sense of comradery. I think in college this will be even more so and I will make a lot of great friends on the team.”

Hubert is an outgoing and optimistic runner that has learned “resilience and hard work. It has taught me to be grateful for what I have and make the most of it.” Going into college he hopes to continue making the most out of his experience and opportunity running at the collegiate level.

With only twelve full days of school before the seniors move on with their lives, the track season will prepare these four athletes for what is to come. Wish them luck as they approach their futures.