April 16, 2024
By Nikalena Iacono
Editor
Whether senior Tyler Wise is beating the school record or preparing for the next phase of his athletic career, he has proven himself to be a force on the track.
In December, Wise committed to Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Division I track and field team on the Teaneck campus where he will compete in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races.
“I’m very excited and hoping to improve this year and further the next four there,” Wise said. “I really enjoy running, and I’m happy and blessed that I got the opportunity.”
Wise joined LHS’ indoor and outdoor track and field teams last year.
“I thought it would be fun, and I have friends that [do] it,” Wise said.
His final indoor track and field season was cut short due to a hamstring injury. Therefore, the only indoor meet he competed in was on Dec. 18, 2023 at the Armory Track in New York City.
Wise said the meet was memorable because he set two indoor track records for LHS, running 6.60 seconds in the 55-meter race and 22.85 seconds in the 200-meter race.
Now that Wise is cleared to compete, he said his goals for the outdoor track and field season are to stay healthy and reach personal records in all of his events.
Indoor track and field Head Coach Hykey, who has coached the team for two years, said Wise’s best event is the 400-meter race.
“He has the ‘it’ factor to be a special 400-meter runner,” Hykey said. “He’s strong, fast, tough and wants to win. [He has] just what you need for success in that race.”
“He stands out when you’re watching him train or race because of his strength and talent.”
She said Wise has been a pleasure to mentor.
“He is always respectful and work[s] hard. He gives you his best effort and never complains. Any coach would love to be able to work with Tyler,” Hykey said.
She said Wise motivates those around him with his willingness to put in extra time to gain a competitive edge.
“Tyler is one of the strongest athletes and runners we have. He is tough and loves to work hard and compete,” Hykey said. “He stands out when you’re watching him train or race because of his strength and talent.”
Senior Renzo Pelaez, who has been on the varsity outdoor track and field team for three years and indoor track and field team for a year, said Wise brings explosive speed to sprinting events, demonstrates a strategic approach in longer-distance events and has exceptional endurance.
“Tyler’s strengths lie not only in his athletic abilities but also in his work ethic and mental fortitude,” Pelaez said.
He said watching Wise compete is impressive.
“Every race, he manages to outdo himself, and it’s truly remarkable. There’s this excitement and anticipation, knowing that with each event, he’s going to give it his all and surpass expectations,” Pelaez said.
He said he is proud and excited about Wise’s commitment to FDU.
“I have no doubt that Tyler is going to dominate at the D1 level. The kid just keeps getting better, and with the amount of work he puts in, it’s bound to pay off big time,” Pelaez said. “He’s got the talent, the dedication and the drive to make a serious impact.”
