May 8, 2025
By Alexandra Lourenço
Editor-in-Chief
The outdoor track and field teams have had a successful start to the season, with the boys holding a 6-1 record and the girls holding a 7-0 record as of May 8.
On April 29, the teams competed in the New Jersey Interscholastic Conference Divisional Championship meet at Emerson High School, where they placed third out of eight teams.
The athletes credit their achievements to new traditions and a strong work ethic.
Junior thrower Noah Melendez, who has been on varsity for three years, said having Coach Tuero as the boys’ new head coach has benefited the team.
“[It is] a big change, and it definitely has given everyone the opportunity to show what they can do,” Melendez said. “He’s a good leader, and he has a strong character that gets us going for the meets.”
Melendez said many returning athletes have taken on more responsibility.
“This year, it’s all hands on deck because we lost [22] seniors, so we weren’t expected to do [well],” Melendez said. “We are all very synchronized. We want to win, and we want to do it with each other.”
Melendez said the athletes bring enthusiasm to all of their competitions.
“We have such a good energetic team, and last year it was like that, but not at this level,” Melendez said.
He said the team’s energy comes from Tuero’s tradition of celebrating in the locker room after meets.
“We just go crazy in the locker room,” Melendez said. “We bring in the kids from the other team, and they come into our locker room and we dance with them. It’s a fun environment.”
Sophomore distance runner and hurdler Gabriel Angelli, who is in his first year on varsity, said the locker room celebrations have brought the team closer together.
“When we’re practicing, everyone’s doing their own thing, so [with] this, everybody from the team is getting together and having fun,” Angelli said.
He said, despite underperforming at the Jack Yockers Bergen County Relays in Oradell on April 9, he remains motivated.
“I’m going to try and just push myself to the limit,” Angelli said. “I’m going to try and pull my weight and try to get us another medal.”
Angelli said his biggest inspirations are his teammates.
“I see how much work they put in and how much effort they put in. I want to be like them,” Angelli said.
“I do not want to let anyone down, including myself.”
Sophomore distance runner Taylor Paglio, who has been on varsity for two years, participates in the 4×4 relay, 800-meter, 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter races. She described the team as driven.
“We work hard and always train and compete to our full potential,” Paglio said.
She said this season has been more challenging than the last one because, as a returning athlete, the expectations on her are higher.
“I want… to accomplish the goals I have created,” Paglio said. “I do not want to let anyone down, including myself.”
Senior thrower Elona Megally, who has been on varsity for three years, said she has stepped up as a leader this season.
“We have a lot of newer throwers, so I help them with their form,” Megally said. “I try to build a good environment where everyone is comfortable and everyone is having fun and not feeling that stressed.”
Megally said she and her teammates are fully committed.
“I see a lot of girls stay [at practices] very late, especially for throwers. When [the coaches] tell us to stop throwing, no one wants to, and then we just stay a little bit more,” Megally said. “Everyone seems to not want to leave and wants to do better.”
Megally said the most unique aspect of the sport is its individual nature.
“It’s more competitive. It’s more ‘you versus you,’” Megally said. “For throwers, you get into the circle, and you are throwing your throw. It’s not like a team sport where you pass the ball.”
Megally said the individual aspect of track and field is difficult but rewarding.
“You’re putting in the effort for you, and then when you succeed, it’s just a really nice feeling to have,” said Megally.
