It's always been the challenge for the team from East Aurora. After perennially being one of the more successful XC programs in the Fall each year, their athletes would have to take the winter off from competition. That's because their school didn't field a team for the Indoor Season. Like many small schools in the state, their district didn't provide the option or funds for the Winter Season. There were ways around the limitations, such as running unattached at the SPIRE Institute in Ohio, but it was never the same as fielding a full, interscholastic season. That is, until, 2018.
For the first time ever, East Aurora has partnered with neighboring school Holland. Holland has always fielded an Indoor Team, despite being an even smaller school than EA. Only 15 minutes away by bus, the two schools have conjoined for the 2018 season, creating H-EA-T (Holland-East Aurora Track). In the past, Holland has sent wrestlers, golfers, and football players to EA. Holland was happy to return the favor, via Matt Adams, Holland AD and Head Track Coach.
EA has made quick use of the opportunity. The McLaughlin sisters find themselves both in the Top 20 in the State for their respective events. Older sister Molly McLaughlin is NY #15 in the 1000m, running 3:00.30, while younger sister Meghan McLaughlin is NY #11 in the 3000m at 10:20.52. Likewise, at the Trent Jackson/Cedric Walker Invite, Ian Russ took on National 2-Mile Leader Nathan Lawler (Pittsford-Mendon), and came out on top, running a new US #11 in 9:25.42. All three of them could make their very first Indoor State Meet this year, and not for lack of ability in past years.
And, of course, the best part of running with a new team? Brand new jerseys!
