A Look At HSMSE's Indoor Track Team's Future Stars

Despite a very successful season, the High School for Math Science and Engineering indoor track team is already focusing and training for 2021. Coach Thomas Henning is confident in his underclassman for next season. Sophomore Jory Lee and freshman Penelope Larkin are two athletes extremely capable of making a difference for the Flying Dragons.

Lee's results in the long jump and the triple jump were stellar this season. He jumped 39' 6” at the Jim Mckay Games and finished first at the PSAL Gobbler Classic. Henning credited Lee's success to his strength and focus.

“He was very focused on the triple jump,” Henning said.

Larkin demonstrated great leadership and future potential among the freshmen. Henning noted her impressive 11.01-second performance in the 55-meter hurdles at the Manhattan Borough Championships.

“She was amazing," he said. "She's very good at triple jump and hurdles.”

Larkin also excelled in pole vaulting. She finished first in the PSAL Last Chance meet, with a height of 7' 2''.

Henning believes for the athletes to compete at a high level for next season, they have to condition their bodies during the off-season. He mentioned how extremely important it will be for the team increase their strength through weightlifting if they want to compete at a high level.

“I am serious, everyone needs to do weight training,” he said.

For many HSMSE freshmen and sophomores on the indoor track team, they must start training now in order to compete against many of the other schools who are farther along in their strength and development. Through a year of intense training and a strong work ethic, both Larkin and Lee have the potential to lead the Flying Dragons to another successful season.

- Nii Adjei Nortey also contributed to this article.