As the end of the season approaches, the winter track team can take a break from the stress and hard work outs to participate in the Annual Scavenger Hunt on Thurs., Feb. 16.

The veterans who have participated in past Scavenger Hunts are especially excited.

“Last year was really fun, and I’m hoping that this year will be even better,” said Noelle Plageman, 12.

In preparation, the athletes are split into four different teams- red, green, blue, and yellow. They are encouraged to name their team captain, come up with a creative team name, and even make a flag.

During the hunt, the teams are given different tasks to complete in the form of riddles, with different objects they must obtain.

Along the way, clues are set up around the school to help the athletes figure out the riddle.The teams with the lowest times to find the objects are victorious.

As this annual event draws near, many reminisce on fond memories of past years.

In particular, Ryan Stoneberger, 11, has an experience he just has to laugh at. He was misinformed by one of his teammates in looking for an object involving dog care businesses.

Instead of traveling to Pet Motel, only half a mile down the road, he ran three miles in the other direction to Camp Bow Wow, where he later found out was the wrong place to find the object.

“I’m not doing distance at all this year. There’s no way that’s going to happen again,” said Stoneberger.

The competition is revving up along with the preparations. Athletes show considerable loyalty to their teams.

“We’re all good friends, but when it’s Scavenger Hunt time, the rivalries start to form. I can say who is going to win, but I think the green team has a pretty good chance this year,” said Anna Bailes, 11.

For more information on the Winter Track team, go to goaves.com