While most indoor track FCIAC qualifier meets are pretty routine, the meet at the Staples field house on Saturday January 9 was far from ordinary. Stanford commit Hannah Debalsi ‘16 was honored by Sports Illustrated for her athlete of the month award in front for her teammates and family with a small celebration before the meet started. With pictures and interviews that followed, Debalsi maintained her selfless character throughout the entire day.

“It was special getting it with my teammates. I wouldn’t have wanted to get it without them there because they’re all so supportive and I wouldn’t have gotten the award in the first place without their support,” Debalsi said.

While Debalsi used the meet as a workout as she is already qualified for the FCIAC championships, other track athletes stood out.

In particular, distance runner Zak Ahmad ‘17, shined. Coming off a breakout cross country season, Ahmad won the 1000M, the 3200 and anchored his 4x4000M team to a win.

Both girls’ and boys’ team hope to use this meet as a kickstarter for their season.

“It’s nice to back on the track and seeing how everyone’s improved since cross country,” Ahmad said. “Seeing everyone crush these early meets is a big confidence boost for the bigger meets and the championship season.”

Catch the indoor track teams in action as they attend Cox Cage in New Haven for the Yale Classic on January 15 and 16.