Shivanna Duncan striving for a win.
Over 11,613 track meets occured in public schools throughout the U.S. this year, and the number keeps increasing.
Track and field has become a national sport that is played everywhere, including our small school.
“It’s a good way to stay in shape, and coming into high school I wanted to change the way I look. Also the competition gives me more drive to do what I love,” said sophomore Samantha Bruno.
Although practices are long and hard, these students are dedicated to what they love doing most, competing.
“At first I didn’t like the fact that we had to share our team, but in the end, the more important thing is that we try to win and work together. I’ve never been so involved with a team that helps me so much, even outside the field,” said George Youseff, student at the Gaynor McCown School.
Whether it is running laps around the football field, jogging in place, doing sit-ups, push-ups, or even squats, these track members are sure to work up a sweat.
Still, this year, the team has faced some challenges. Their toughest competition, during both the indoor and outdoor seasons, has been Curtis High School and Hill High School.
“Curtis has such fast sprinters, and Hill has a huge amount of girls,” said sophomoreShara Joy Aya.
At the The Grand Prix #4 on October 20, top runners in the 1.5 mile race were Sara Fischman who placed 3rd with a time of 13 minutes, 25 seconds, Diamond Rodriguez in 7th with at time of 18 minutes, 23 seconds.
While junior Shivanna Duncan placed 8th with a time of 31 minutes, 3 seconds, “It’s a great opportunity for students to get the real taste of competition and be a part of their after school activity committee. Even if they don’t fully succeed and do what they hoped, they are still part of a family in which strides are made to do better,” said Athletic Director and physical education teacher Dennis Barrett.
The most recent track meet, Staten Island Cross Country Championships took place on October 24, at Clove Lakes Park.
Although the team struggled in the pouring rain, the team was pleased with their first varsity meet.
“I am pleased with the results, and the team has gained valuable experiance by running at championship varsity level,”said Coach Anthony Cosentino.
For some team members, this was their last run of the season.
“Since it is my senior year, I felt I had to push myself harder then usual, since it’s my last race,” said senior Shawn Cybulska.
With the season almost at its end, the team hopes to push through the next few competitions to capture as many medals as they can.
