Unlike most other spring sports, the track and field seasons begin well in advance of the first week of March and so when the IHSA hit the pause button on the spring sports season and the 'OFF' button on the winter sports season, the track and field teams of Illinois were left wondering if they would get to resume their campaigns rather than get them started.

For the highly ranked and highly successful Clinton High School girls track program, the defense of their three-straight Central Illinois Conference titles was put on hold after a very positive start. Co-head coach Leann Sosoman calls this year's group "special".

The possibility of their season being put on hold was on the radar of Sosoman and her coaches and they wanted to emphasize to their athletes to continue to compete like it was going to be their last meet.

Among the many positives for the team right before their final practice was being able to watch four of their senior athletes sign National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers in college. Sosoman says the four girls are great people both on the track and in the classroom.

While the competitive lessons are not being taught right now, Sosoman says this is a great opportunity for them to give their athletes lessons in life and how to deal with the adversity they are being presented with this season.

While the season may not be a complete wash, Sososam says they are mourning the loss of opportunities for their seniors but hope they can get back on the track and bring home more hardware from their Sectional meet.

Sosoman is trying to remain positive and is encouraged the IHSA is optimistic there will be a shortened version of their spring season.