Ashley Cheung has been a valuable member of the Ardsley High School track team for years and is not letting the current pandemic let her forget that. Despite missing out on her spring senior season of Track and Field, Ashley has been able to remain optimistic and reflect on some of the memories she left behind with me.
For the record, Cheung competes in the triple jump, long jump, and sometimes even sprints. I don’t know too much about track, but I would definitely say that that’s a very impressive display. I can attest to this when I tell you she was accepted to the Loucks games and hit her all time personal record in the triple jump. Ashley explained to me that the Loucks games “are a prestigious showcase meet hosted in White Plains every year that is invitation only”. So in other words, it’s a pretty big deal. When asked, Ashley said her senior year highlight was “Definitely the Loucks games or becoming a captain”. One of the most essential parts of being on any team is getting along with your teammates. Cheung describes the team as “such a close knit group of people that are always there to support and encourage you”. Not only are her teammates some of her closest friends, but they “always say that we are one family because we build each other up and work towards a common goal”, which makes competing that much more enjoyable.
She took the time to reminisce on the team’s tradition to “go to Six Flags to race for cross country, then go to the park” every September. Yes, you did read that right. Cheung competes in cross country in addition to indoor and outdoor track. A triple threat if I do say so myself. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic Ashley and many others were not able to compete in her senior season of track. Though she carries on all of the positive memories of her high school track career, she stated “I miss seeing my friends and teammates everyday and get a last chance to PR and go to meets.” It is truly unfortunate, but Ashley has made sure to keep herself in shape “doing workouts at home, like ab and leg workout and also running occasionally”. Although she won’t be doing track at her future college, Binghamton University, in the fall, Ashley is making sure to stay in tip top shape since she plans on doing club running. Aside from track, Cheung loves to do many of the things that an average teenager does. Her list is lengthy! She stays connected by FaceTiming friends and playing video games and used to rock climb before quarantine.
Even though it is so unbelievably sad that she had to miss out on her senior season, we won’t let this missed season overshadow the hard work and dedication she has taken with her thus far. We wish her the best of luck at Binghamton and will miss her very much here at AHS!