March 18, 2026
By Serenity Mendoza
Staff Writer
The indoor track and field team faced an especially tough season. Head Coach Hykey said the inclement weather disrupted the athletes’ usual outdoor training routine, which takes place on the track, the field and local streets.
“Since it snowed [several times], we were stuck in the hallways and stairways running, so it was challenging to try and keep the kids fit and as race-ready as possible,” Hykey said.
She said the snow was particularly problematic for throwers because there is no indoor space for them to practice.
“They’re freezing [outside] in the circle or on the turf if they could get outside, but [since it snowed], we weren’t even able to do that,” Hykey said.
Junior Lucas Angelli, a first-year varsity distance runner, said the team did well considering the bad weather.
“If we had to improve on anything, it would be our training load,” Angelli said. “This season, we were very restricted because of the snow.”
Angelli said he strove to stay motivated even though he had limited opportunity to practice on LHS’ track.
“My responsibility as a runner was to show up every day and do my best. I didn’t have many expectations for this season, except for staying in shape for spring track,” Angelli said.
Junior Ahlexis Marizan, a sprinter who joined varsity last year, came in fourth in the 55-meter dash during the Paul Schwartz Invitational Meet at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, on Dec. 18, 2025. She also set a personal record of 7.98 seconds in the 55-meter dash at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association State Sectional Meet at the Rothman Orthopaedic Sports Complex at the John Bennett Athletic Center in Toms River on Feb. 8.
Marizan said she is inspired and motivated by her dad.
“My responsibility as a runner was to show up every day and do my best.”
“He believes in me like no one else can, sees my potential and knows what I’m capable of achieving in this sport,” Marizan said.
She said running helps her maintain consistency between the soccer and outdoor track and field seasons.
“Ever since I was [in elementary school], people had noticed that I was fast…. My parents had introduced me to track and field in fourth grade, and it has been my life ever since,” Marizan said. “I have always loved to run. It is my passion, and it brings me joy whenever I step on the track.”
