Two junior athletes in the track and field family have been bringing their A game and breaking records, junior Patrick O’Brien and junior Maddie Marks.

O’Brien broke the record twice for pole vaulting with an outstanding record of 14 feet 1 inches.

“It honestly felt unreal because what had once been a goal that had felt far away and unimaginable I had finally achieved,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien has faced multiple challenges prior to this point in his career.

“Over the years I have vaulted, there have been many times where I struggle with vaulting for a period of time, and it can be very frustrating,” O’Brien said. “As well, dealing with soreness and injuries has been a big pain in previous years because it also causes an aspect of mental stress and frustration.”

O’Brien has advice to upcoming pole vaulters trying to break his record.

“Working hard and consistency is the key to getting better at anything, and don’t stress out about getting better immediately because it comes with time,” O’Brien said.

Junior Maddie Marks is an outstanding athlete with an even more outstanding arm.

Marks broke a 20-year record in discus for Susquehannock’s track team, throwing 120 feet and eight inches, breaking the record by more than a foot.

“After breaking the record, I felt great knowing that I’ve accomplished something so big in high school,” Marks said.

Marks’s hard work has led her down a path to success, as Marks looks for a new goal.

“My goals after breaking the discus record are to strive to beat it again and continue to excel by continuing to perfect my craft,” Marks said.

While the track team concludes their season, they have time to look back and praise their amazing seniors and outstanding athletes, such as O’Brien and Marks.