It’s a wrap, the 2023 outdoor track season has officially come to an end. On Friday, June and Saturday, June 3 Freedom High School competed at Todd Stadium in Newport News for Class 6A States. 

Freedom had a total of seven competitors partake in this meet. All seven competitors showed up and showed off, all of them proving why they made it there in the first place.

Senior Michael Baker has shown his power and strength all seasons with Freedom High School. In this meet he placed 6th in discus throw and 7th in shot put, receiving All-State in both events. His attributions to the Freedom track team will be sincerely missed.

Senior Eric Aviles also returned to states this season as he ran the 1600 where he placed 14th with an impressive 4:25.68 mile. Eric has stayed humble and has outshined all his competitors as he’s participated in track. He has been a huge leader and great example for the following athletes to be able to observe.

“The kids here are talented, but most importantly they are kind and caring people,” said distance coach Christopher Weeks. 

Not only was this meet the last for seniors Baker and Aviles, but also for sprint coach Michael Kitchens. Coach Kitchens has had such a positive and powerful impact on all of the athletes he’s coached over his years at Freedom High School. His tough love and care has been shown as he pushed all his athletes to become the best ones they could be. 

“Coach Kitchens helped me much more confident in my abilities and how to persevere when it got tough,” said junior Christine Robinson. 

Coach Kitchens last season at Freedom has statistically been the best track team that Freedom has ever had. 

“I’m very proud of all my athletes, not only in Track, but all their accomplishments,” Kitchens said. 

Coach Kitchens and all the track and field coaches always show their support and push all these athletes into being the state competitors they are now.

“I actually used to be very shy so Kitchens really helped me come out of my shell,” Robinson said. 

Coach Kitchens has made his legacy at this school and especially with a good way to end his last season here. 

“I hope all these athletes learn to set goals and strive to be the best version of themselves,” Weeks said. 

With the coaching staff and support these Eagles have, they will all have the opportunity to endeavor to be their best selves.

All of the athletes who competed in states with their events.

Michael Baker – Shot put and discus throw

Eric Aviles – 1600m Run

James Byerle, Henry Clark, Greg Borden, Eric Aviles – Boys 4x800m run

Christine Robinson – Triple Jump

Layla Terrazas – Discus Throw