Staying on track

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Sophomore Victoria Botte, the champion of the Greater Middlesex County Tournament 1600m race, sets the pace for the pack.

Staying on track 

BY DAYAMI VILORIA 

            The winter track team had a great season, filled with many improvements, accomplishments, and personal records. The 4×400 Relay team qualified for the Conference Champions and many athletes qualified for Sectionals.  

            The 4×400 relay team, Peter Afoakwah, Nick Mackoul, Muhammed Ziyad, and Randy Browne, qualified for the Meet Champions. “Getting as many athletes to the Meet of Champions is always a goal of ours,” said coach Matthew Tiplady. 

            Mackoul’s teammates helped him succeed throughout the season. “Knowing that we could go to the Meet of Champions definitely helped pull through but also the support of my team through the whole season and knowing how important it is that we do good,” said Mackoul. 

            The 4×400 relay member qualified for the Meet of Champions by winning the Conference Championship and placing second as Sectionals. Afoakwah credits “practice and having Coach Bev [Scott Beverly] guide us during our races” for leading them to victory. 

            Mackoul made it to the State Sectionals and competed in the 1600m for the Meet of Champions alongside his relay team. “It’s my first season running the 1600m which is a huge accomplishment,” said Mackoul.

Freshman Ryleigh Lynch rises up to jump over a hurdle.

            Alyssa Penn, an outstanding hurdler, qualified for Group IV Championships in the 55-meter hurdles. “I had a huge difference in PRs this season,” said Penn. She accomplished a personal record of 8:64 in the 55m hurdles and an estimated split of 27:8 for the 200m relay.  

            The teams have performed well this season and placed high in the standings at the Conference Championship meet and at States. “I’ve gotten great times, huge PRs, and placed very well in county and state meets,” said Joshua Santiago, who achieved a time of 4:30 in the 1600m.  

            Santiago ran the 1600m in 4:30, an outstanding accomplishment. “It’s a long mentally challenging race and I have to stay focused and tough if I want to win,” said Santiago. 

            Carly Cutrone reached a personal record in the 1600 with a time of 5:54. “It was my goal this season to sub-6, and I was beyond happy when I did so,” said Cutrone.  

            Cutrone also accomplished a personal record of 12:32 in the 3200. “Consecutive training and mental focus were definitely key to success,” said Cutrone.  

Senior Peter Afoakwah, a member of the 4×400 relay team that won the Conference Championship and finished second at Sectionals, sprints down the track.

            Shotput competitor, Issac Goldin had an outstanding season, shaped by new personal achievements, alongside his team, obtaining great results. “This track season has been extraordinary, marked by personal bests and gains in strength and speed,” said Goldin.  

            Thrower, Zaraa Aminu, qualified for Sectionals for the second time. “Sectionals is one of the hardest meets to qualify for, and, though I made it last year, I’m glad I made it again,” said Aminu.  

            For shotput, Aminu achieved a personal record of 31-4.25 for indoor and 31-4 outdoor shotput. “It feels great knowing that I’ve grown so much from when I first started!” said Aminu. 

            The track teams have worked hard over the winter season, and it has paid off in many ways. Most of the athletes will now continue their efforts in the spring season.  

Posted on 3/15/24

Photos by Lors Photography