Spring offers ideal conditions for track, pick-up games

Rachel Pittenger Staff Writer

Spring in Poughkeepsie came just in time for students’ return from spring break, as evidenced by the masses of people drawn outside by recent 70-degree weather. The heat wave has attracted not only members of the Track Club, but also students just looking to play pick-up games in the sun.

The Vassar Track Club, which has been training indoors for the winter season, eagerly took advantage of the warm weather that came in the first week of April. Winter training occurred on the indoor track at the gym, and Head Coach James McCowan noted that winter track and spring track competition are quite different. According to McCowan, the indoor setting can be problematic due to the “hard surface and the dry air.”

Current outdoor conditions are ideal for those who sometimes have “trouble breathing the cold, dry air” during the winter, McCowan added.

“The warm weather makes it much easier for long runs, and less emotionally draining,” said McCowan. Furthermore, the outdoor training will further benefit the Brewers as their schedule heats up, with tournaments scheduled for nearly every weekend until Founder’s Day on May 6.

Even those who do not run for the Track Club have been inspired to tie on their sneakers in this ideal weather. All of the trails, from the one circling Sunset Lake to the many paths weaving through the grounds of the Vassar Farm, saw more runners and walkers than usual. It is now not uncommon to see people of all ages at the farm, whether they are walking, biking, or running.

Those who do not play organized sports have taken advantage of the weather to showcase their athletic skills. On sunny days over the course of the past week, the Residential Quad has been packed with students. While some use the green grass and warm temperature to study, many kick around a soccer ball or spike a volleyball with friends.

Jimmy Gagnon ’09, said that though he plays for the ultimate frisbee team, he is just as passionate about playing pick-up frisbee with strangers on the residential quad. “There’s nothing like running full-tilt and diving to catch a frisbee...and landing on green grass.”