High schoolers do not traditionally act as salespeople, especially athletes. The spring track team, however, did just that at the beginning of March.

Athletes participated in a fundraiser going toward a new record board, uniforms, spirit wear and other basic sporting necessities.

“We are one of the best track programs in the city, and we want to make sure we develop the same atmosphere of quality and excellence in how we look,” coach Hank Ray said to the team in preparation.

The program partnered with Great American Savings to sell key tags for online coupon pages. They met for one hour on Fri., March 13 to create a telemarketer-like atmosphere by calling friends and family to sell the key tags.

Athletes were split into three groups to compete against one another: the sprinters, distance runners, and jumpers and throwers.

“It was a great way to promote the track team. I think most of the fun came not necessarily from what we were selling, but from the competitiveness between us,” junior Katherine Vorpe said.

The fundraiser raised over $2000 for the program. Athletes who raised the most received rewards like extra discounts and free apparel from distance coach Steve Nester’s store, Buckeye Running Company.

Results from the fundraiser can already be seen in new uniforms for the boys track team. More outcomes will come throughout the season as other opportunities for improvements are organized.

“I am excited to see all the new changes from what we received with this fundraiser. Hopefully we can do more fun events like team car washes and bake sales in the future,” Vorpe said.

The outdoor track season begins with the preliminary competition for the Coaches Classic at Ross High School on April 8.