Jan. 17, 2024
By Emily Reed
Editor-in-Chief
The indoor track and field team commenced its competitive season on Dec. 15 at the Polar Bear Meet at Ramapo High School. Four relay teams and seven individuals received medals for their events.
The second meet of the season, the Spike Shoe Season Opener, took place at the Armory Track in New York City on Dec. 18.
At the meet, senior Renzo Pelaez broke the school record in the long jump event by jumping 20 feet, 4.25 inches, beating his brother, Class of 2023 graduate Jorge Pelaez, who held the school record of 18 feet, 11 inches. Senior Tyler Wise broke the school record in the 55-meter dash with a time of 6.60 seconds and broke the 200-meter dash school record with a time of 22.85 seconds.
Pelaez, a first-season varsity member who competes in the 200-meter dash, long jump and triple jump, said he enjoys the jumping events because they require agility, speed and strength.
“What I love is the challenge. They’re not just about winning but improving myself. [The meets are] about constantly getting better, setting personal goals and enjoying the camaraderie,” Pelaez said. “I’m all in for the fun and growth these jumps bring.”
He said the athletes excelled in the second meet because of their optimism and teamwork.
“We made sure to cheer each other on, keeping the vibes positive and the energy high. It was a chill but effective approach that helped us pull off some great performances,” Pelaez said.
“We’re committed to strengthening our bonds, creating a positive team spirit and supporting each other.”
He said the team is focused on achieving excellence and unity.
“We’re committed to strengthening our bonds, creating a positive team spirit and supporting each other,” Pelaez said. “By working together, pushing each other to improve and celebrating our successes as a team, we can make this season memorable.”
Junior Madeline Turano, who is in her third season on varsity, competes in the 200-meter dash, 800-meter dash, hurdles and long jump. She said the team has been working hard to reach its goals.
“We have been preparing by training every day outside and even lifting in the weight room,” Turano said. “During races, our mind always tells us that we can’t go anymore and we should start slowing down, but we have to push ourselves to keep on going and finish the race and workouts.”
Turano said the team is young and continuing to improve.
“There were very few returners this year, so many spots had to be filled by the newcomers,” Turano said.
Senior Sam Cardo, who is in her first year on varsity and competes in shot put, said she is especially looking forward to the meets at Garfield High School because they are only for throwers and jumpers.
“Usually we go to an event [that focuses on] running, but this one feels special since it is dedicated to our events,” Cardo said.
She said she has high expectations for the rest of the season.
“A lot of us [are] really determined to do [well],” Cardo said. “There are a lot of younger members on the team who are still figuring it out, [but] they are picking stuff up really fast.”
