The adrenaline rush of jumping over hurdles for 65 and 300 meters gives sophomore Sotiris Kougiouris the motivation to keep progressing in his track career. Kougiouris started hurdling in elementary school as his parents took him to a track clinic every Sunday. By participating in multiple events at the track clinic, his interest in hurdles blossomed and prompted his engagement in the Kennedy MS track and field team. Currently, Kougiouris is a member of the MVHS Varsity hurdles team. 

“It’s something I had to conquer a fear to do, I mean falling during hurdling can have bad consequences,” Kougiouris said. “I don’t usually give myself a lot of credit, but for hurdles I’m proud of myself for doing it.”

Kougiouris, who also participates in the 4 X 400 meter relay, sees hurdles as his best event since he won leagues for both the 65 and 300 meter hurdles events last year. One of Kougiouris current goals is to get an offer for a college team with an emphasis in hurdles. Kougiouris, who is a making the jump from JV to Varsity this season, is excited about the social aspect of being around upperclassmen, but is nervous about the level of competition. As one of the only sophomores on Varsity, his goals are to keep breaking his personal records and to stay in shape. 

“In terms of jumping over the hurdles, for me at least, it feels like the whole world like kind of stops and it’s just me jumping over the hurdle,” Kougiouris said. “Then an instant later I’m on track again sprinting to the next hurdle.”