With sections on the horizon and the season over for some, the team transitioned from the track to Park Tavern to bowl, socialize and eat pizza May 23. 

Junior captain Jakob Eenigenburg said team bonding is important for people to let loose and have fun without the pressure of competition.

“With better team chemistry, better results are achieved because people are more comfortable with each other,” Eenigenburg said. “When they’re running, they feel more relaxed, leading to better results.”  

Freshman Hanna Muehlhausen said the team is fun because everyone is nice and she gets to have fun with cool people. 

“We get to know each other more when we hang out outside of running and see what other people’s personalities are like, and that makes us better as a team,” Muehlhausen said. 

Freshman Audrey Martin said team bonding is a great way to hang out with everyone and strengthen team relationships. 

“I like being with all the people and getting to know the upperclassmen,” Martin said. 

Eenigenburg said team bonding is effective year round, even as the team is preparing for a big competition and to wrap up the season. 

“Even with team bonding being late in the season — before sections — it is beneficial,” Eenigenburg said. “It’s nice to make sure people have a good time.” 

Martin said the track team wants to feel connected going into sections, as track is more focused on individuals, and an emphasis on the team as a whole is important in team bonding. 

“Track is more of an individual sport, so team bonding makes it feel more like a community and team environment,” Martin said. 

Track and field has sections May 30 and June 2 at Eden Prairie High School.