Jan. 12, 2020
By Madison Sofield
Staff Writer
The indoor track and field team competed in its first meet of the season at the Track Armory in New York on Dec. 23.
Top finishers included junior Maggie Fodera, who jumped 5-2, setting a new school record in the high jump. Junior MaryAnn Ijeh set a personal record of 4-10 and placed fourth in the high jump. Freshman Kayla Carrino took fifth place in the 3200-meter run, senior Isaiah DeLaCruz placed fourth in the pole vault and junior Andrew Fernandez captured sixth in the shot put with a season best throw of 39-9.
Senior Matt Vargas started running indoor track three years ago.
“The only thing that made me join track is the joy that I receive for running fast,” Vargas said.
“My coaching philosophy is encouraging kids to give their best effort, and that one’s best effort is a choice.”
He ran on the junior varsity team last year as well before becoming a varsity athlete this year.
“My expectations are set on winning the state sectionals,” Vargas said. “As a senior player on the team, my responsibilities are to make sure that everyone is doing the right thing and not miss their events.”
Freshman sprinter Ana Ordonez said one of her main goals is to win the meet on Feb. 21.
Ordonez said she joined indoor track because she wanted to return to running after sustaining an injury.
She said she regards her team as her family.
“We always help each other out no matter if we are exhausted or not in a good mood,” Ordonez said.
She said the most difficult aspect of the sport is running laps multiple times.
Ordonez said she considers freshman sprinter Jamill Turijan to be her biggest track inspiration.
“He always puts his all in this sport and is always so bright,” Ordonez said.
Turijan said he enjoys the sport because running makes him feel free.
“It’s a sport where all you need are the right pairs of shoes and just run. There’s no need for special equipment,” Turijan said.
He said he hopes to have a few victories this season, show improvement and gain experience. Currently, Turijan runs the 55-, 200- and 400-yard sprints.
“My biggest fans are [myself] and [Head Coach Tessalone] because he does motivate me and also just hypes everyone up,” Turijan said.
Tessalone said he was happy with the team’s performance during the Dec. 23 meet because some athletes beat their personal records, and young athletes had standout achievements.
Tessalone has been coaching indoor track since it became an LHS sport during the 2017-2018 school year.
“My coaching philosophy is encouraging kids to give their best effort, and that one’s best effort is a choice,” Tessalone said.
He said he was happy with the team’s performance during the Dec. 26 meet because some athletes beat their personal records and young athletes had standout achievements.
“They are determined to learn their events and determined to get better and have some fun,” said Tessalone.
0 comments
