After the Whistle: Colonel Richardson’s Addison Claytor

FEDERALSBURG, Md. – Colonel Richardson’s track and field team just completed their 2nd ever indoor season, with a determined senior setting the pace for the young team.

“From other people’s perspectives, They would say it was so good, but I think I could have done better.”

Colonel Richardson’s Addison Claytor is a track and field athlete who is never satisfied, even after shaving 21 seconds off her time in the 500 meters from the 2023-24 to the 2024-25 indoor season.

“She’s just an athlete like I’ve not coached before, because she always wants to do better and there’s always more she can accomplish,” said coach Danielle Dennis.

For the 2024-25 indoor season, Claytor scored 46% of her team’s points individually. That number jumps to 60% including her relay placements.

Claytor’s indoor track coach Danielle Dennis says the senior runner’s effort and mentality helps guide the rest of her squad.

“The drive and the work ethic that she’s had, she doesn’t take any days off and she’s put in the work consistently…She’s a great influence on all of the other athletes. We have a lot of freshmen. Over half of our team was freshmen and they really look up to her.”

Even with setting multiple personal records despite a grueling schedule at the east region championships, Claytor still wants more: “I remember being disappointed in myself, even though it was a PR, it wasn’t what I wanted.”

What’s next for the athlete chasing perfection? Making states for her individual events in the outdoor season.

“I know that I can. I know I can do better,” Claytor said.

Dennis noted that with the improvements Claytor showed in her 500 meter, she has no doubt the athlete will break one minute in her primary outdoor event the 400 meter.