Racing through the winter chill

BY ANGEL CHIARAVALLO
With temperatures down to single digits, the winter track team still came through and accomplished many goals. For example, Danielle Boateng set a new school record, and Victoria Botte, Joshua Santiago, Samantha Ciaccia, Ronald Ciaccia, Victoria Afoakwah, Tatum Jones, Annabelle Boateng, and Michelle Aluko ranked high in GMCs.

Danielle Boateng, a junior, set the school record in the 55-meter dash, winning the GMC Conference Title. “Seeing my hard work payoff is a great feeling, but I know there’s still more to accomplish. I’m just grateful for my coaches, teammates, and the support I’ve had along the way,” stated Boateng, who went onto to set the record again at the Meet of Champions, at 6.96 seconds.

Junior Victoria Botte placed second in her race at GMCs. “I was very happy and satisfied with my performance and my place at GMCs because it was my first race back from a 2-month injury of no running,” said Victoria Botte. “I had no expectations going into it, and being able to place after having to take lots of time off of running made me very happy!”

Along with Botte, sophomore Samantha Ciaccia medaled fourth in the 800-meter. “I was beyond happy, and it showed that hard work does pay off, and to keep leaving it out there every race,” stated Ciaccia

Senior Joshua Santiago accomplished a lot this season. “I’ve placed first or second in a lot of races,” said Joshua Santiago. “Me and my DMR relay team of Ronald Ciaccia, Carter Willey, and Sean Doran won 1st place at GMC Relays.”

Star Hanks became the 22nd fastest freshman in New Jersey for the 55-meter dash. “[This] was a huge accomplishment for me. I also improved my 300m time by 3 seconds,” stated Hanks. Her personal record is 7.68 seconds in the 55-meter dash.

Freshman Tatum Jones, who really appreciated having the opportunity to compete, placed 6th in the 55-Meter-High Hurdles at GMCs. “The hurdles are not an easy event, so, as a freshman, it also felt pretty awesome to be amongst some seasoned veterans,” said Jones.

The runners’ dedication got some of them all the way to State Championships. “I feel relieved that my hard work is paying off, but I also feel confident because I know the work I put into running will make me succeed,” said Ronald Ciaccia, a member of the DMR Relay team.

Posted on 3/12/25

Photos by Lors Photography