May 17, 2024
By Emily Reed
Editor-in-Chief
As of May 12, the boys track and field team had a 5-2 winning record. The team placed third in the league championship at the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Championship on April 29 at Emerson High School, finishing behind Rutherford and Becton Regional High School, respectively.
Senior Renzo Pelaez, who has been on varsity since his sophomore year, participates in the 100- and 200- meter dash as well as the long jump and triple jump events. He said the competition at the league championship was extremely close.
“The pressure was on as we battled it out against our opponents, knowing that every point mattered,” Pelaez said. “Despite our best efforts, the meet remained closely contested until the very end.”
Pelaez said his goals are to push himself to reach more milestones and contribute to the team’s success.
“I aim to continuously improve my performances in each of my specialized events, whether it’s improving by milliseconds in the sprints or adding inches to my jumps,” Pelaez said. “I also hope to qualify for important competitions and championships, representing my school.”
Sophomore pole vaulter Chase Paglio, who joined varsity last year, said the team, which is comprised of 78 athletes, dedicates a lot of time to honing its technique.
“We [prepare] by practic[ing] every day after school. It’s a good way to get ready for meets,” Paglio said.
“The pressure was on as we battled it out against our opponents, knowing that every point mattered.”
He said the sprinters focus on doing a variety of stretches while distance runners mainly focus on plyometrics, which are exercises that cause muscles to exert maximum force in short intervals with the goal of increasing power.
Paglio said pole vaulting requires mental and physical strength.
“Pole vaulting is all mental,” Paglio said. “Not being able to clear heights that I should be able to clear [is challenging].”
Senior Jake Herman, who joined varsity as a sophomore and competes in discus, javelin and shot put, said he struggles to stay ready to compete and maintain focus during long meets. He said, over the course of the season, he tends to overlook the fundamental elements of some of his throws.
“When you hit your stride to start the season, you think you have it all figured out. Then, as you creep up closer and closer to the goals you want, you don’t really go back to the basics and build on the foundation,” Herman said.
He said for continued success, the athletes must apply the fundamentals they have learned.
“Throwing for a numerous amount of repetitions can really wear down a thrower’s elbow, shoulder and in some cases legs and hip,” Herman said. “Making sure you do all the right stretches and preparations before taking part in a throwing workout at practice is vital to obtaining longevity throughout the season.”
