Liberty’s track and field team finished time trials on March 14, leaving smiles on the faces of their coaches because the staff realized the Hurricanes were ahead of where they were last year at this time.

“We were excited to see where we could go. We were leaving, hoping for the best, but knowing it might not happen,” said Liberty coach Andy Messa, who has returned to lead the Hurricanes along with coach Chris D’Emilio. “And if we get a season, it’s easier to rebound if you’re a runner, but the other events, I don’t know.”

Messa spoke to the Press before the shutdown and cancellation of the spring season.

The Hurricanes were to have a roster of 210 track and field athletes, the largest team Messa and D’Emilio have ever had.

Liberty’s boys’ team’s biggest leader would have been Christian Tackett. The senior hurdler, who was in contention to medal in the 60 meter hurdles at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association Indoor State Championships on March 1, false started and was hoping to make up for it this spring.

“We told him to let this light your fire, so if he doesn’t get his season...,” Messa said.

Senior Casey Frank, a distance runner, would have been leaned on heavily as a leader, as well as senior hurdler Ezekiel Colon-DeJesus.

Messa explained that the Hurricanes graduated one of their biggest senior classes last year, so the current seniors would have a shot at being contributors, a shot they had been waiting for.

“We knew it would be a tougher season for the boys, but we grasped that and were ready for it,” said Messa.

Liberty’s girls’ team leaders were to be thrower Zoey Reifinger, distance runners Belle Weikert and Cami Bortz, sprinter Gabby Phillips, and hurdler Yamilet Ferrufino.

“Those five are the heart and soul of the girls’ team,” Messa said. “The girls’ 4x8 is significantly ahead of last year, and the 4x4 returned every leg. We have high expectations of them.”

During the time before the shutdown, Messa was staying in touch with his team, though not in person.

“It’s hard. You don’t see them,” said Messa. “I send them workouts, and tell them to take care of themselves and make sure they’re healthy, but I’m used to the constant interaction. Some have been texting me every day, asking what they can do. I’m hoping it’s not all for naught.”