Preparing for the spring season and getting in shape — that’s what it’s all about.

As the weather gets cooler the winter track team prepares for its first meet on Dec. 22 at the Armory in New York City.

Captains have not been announced, and the coaches, Mr. J.P. McCarten, Mr. Mike Corby, and Mr. Brian Luckenbill are working to determine whom they will elect to be the leaders of the 2015-2016 winter track team.

Underclassmen make up the majority of the team, with sophomores in particular comprising the most participants this year. Coaches are still looking for more freshmen to join.

Despite losing a handful of talented seniors from last year, McCarten explained that the team has a strong group of underclassmen and the loss of seniors will not have an overwhelmingly negative effect on the team.

Last year, the team had a large showing at State Groups, and they are “looking to approve upon that for this year,” McCarten said. The team also had runners Ryan Vandervalk (’15) and Alex Walter (’18) make it all the way to State Meet of Champs, also known as SMOC.

Relay teams, such as sprint-medley and distance-medley for both boys and girls, as well as longer sprinters and girl hurdlers are looking to lead the team this year by bringing in the most points.

Goals for the team involve increasing the number of athletes who qualify for State Groups and to have more county champions.

In previous seasons, Glen Rocks largest rival was Hasbrouck Heights and the team is planning on butting heads with them again this year in many events.

Most meets are held at The Armory in New York City; The Armory is also the Track and Field hall of fame and a beautiful facility, according to Coach McCarten.

McCarten and the other coaches have their goals set high: they’re hoping some runners make it to Nationals this winter season.

(Full disclosure, the author if this article is a member of the Winter Track team.)