BY RILEY CADET
This season, individuals from the girls and boys winter track team made it to the Meet of Champions after successfully competing in NJSIAA State Championships and GMC Championships.
Danielle Boateng made her mark at the Meet of Champions, placing second in the 55m dash, making her the second fastest in the State. “I felt grateful,” said Boateng. “Finally making it to the end of the season and placing highly was a great way to end my indoor senior season.” In addition, Boateng took seventh in the 200m and eighth in the 400m race.
The 4×400 team of John Afoakwah, Ronald Ciaccia, Jack O’Brady , and Muhammad Ziyad also secured a spot in the Meet of Champions, creating a memorable and enjoyable moment. “It’s a fun race to compete in, and my teammates make it even more enjoyable,” said Ronald Ciaccia.
Tetiana Kontsohrada also qualified but could not attend. “Though I didn’t get to go, it felt like my hard efforts were finally being validated, and I was finally a step closer to reaching all my track goals,” said Kontsohrada.
After winning gold in the GMC Championship, Afoakwah, Ciaccia, O’Brady, and Ziyad, and Roy Vlaun moved on to the NJSIAA Group IV State Championships. “It’s honestly surreal when that bar stays up and you realize you’re going to States,” said Vlaun.
Vlaun placed in states for the high jump, and Ciaccia in the 1600m and 800m. “It’s like a massive weight lifts right as you’re landing on the mat, knowing you’re one of the few representing your school,” stated Vlaun.
Boateng, along with her 4×400 teammates Madeline Szakielo, Natalia Tywanek, and Victoria Botte finished second in GMCs and placed in NJSIAA Sectionals, securing their spot in NJSIAA Groups. “It feels great,” said Tywanek. “We worked all season for this.”
On January 24, the girls team and the boys 4×400 team celebrated their victories in the GMCs. “I was really happy to win, and I’m looking forward to running even faster later on in the season,” said Ciaccia .
“Being named GMC champion is just a great title, and it was a great feeling crossing the finish line seeing that I won,” said Botte. The senior won the 800m race in addition to placing second in the GMCs.
Vlaun completed a major personal goal transiting from GMC to States. “My primary goal is to increase my high jump record by at least 1–2 inches,” said Vlaun, who went from a 6-0 mark in GMCS to a 6–4 mark in States.
Boateng broke another school record when she placed first in the 55-dash, running a 7.08 during GMCs. “It feels great but also humbling,” stated Boateng. “It shows how much all the work my coaches, my training partners, and I have been putting in has paid off.”
Posted on March 23,2026
Photos by Lors Photography
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