April 6, 2025
By Joseph Brennen
Staff Writer
The boys and girls track and field teams began their season with wins at a dual meet against St. Mary in Rutherford and Weehawken High Schools at home on March 31.
Junior thrower Lucas Guerrero, who is in his first year on varsity, said he appreciates the unique nature of the field events.
“[They are] a lot more focused on technique and coordination… as opposed to other sports that depend on other outside factors besides your personal technique and ability,” Guerrero said.
He said he especially likes competing at large meets.
“I’m going to try even harder than last season to reach all of the new goals I’ve set for myself.”
“A ton of different schools go, and you get to meet a ton of new people,” Guerrero said. “They’re all really good and fun to compete against.”
Guerrero said he intends to contribute to the team’s success by improving his throwing distances. He said he is trying to beat his 91-foot personal record in the javelin throw to hit 105 feet and hopes to break his 31.9-foot personal record by throwing 40 feet in the shot put.
Senior Asya Akar, who is in her fourth year on varsity, said she anticipates a successful season despite the loss of last year’s 33 seniors.
Akar, who competes in discus, long jump and triple jump, said that as an upperclassman, she leads the team and helps the younger athletes.
“Teaching the underclassmen the way practices and meets work is important because it is a new and intimidating environment,” Akar said.
She said she is hopeful about the team’s future.
“There is a lot of talent coming up, and I feel that even after I graduate, we will have a strong team,” Akar said.
Sophomore distance runner Madison Mason, who is in her second year on varsity, said she is determined to improve.
“I’m going to try even harder than last season to reach all of the new goals I’ve set for myself,” Mason said.
She said she aims to qualify for the state group championship, which she competed in last June at Delsea Regional High School with her 4 x 800-meter relay team.
“My biggest goal is to qualify for groups again this year,” Mason said.
She said distance events are especially strenuous.
“Anyone can do distance events if they really want to, but it takes someone with lots of determination and mental toughness to be good at it,” Mason said.
Sophomore distance runner Gabe Campos, who is in his second year on varsity, said that with 106 male athletes and 76 female athletes, the team’s size is one of its greatest strengths.
“Starting off with such a large pool of potential talent means we’re practically guaranteed [to have] success this season,” Campos said.
He said he expects his participation on the indoor track and field team during the winter to help him in his upcoming races.
“[Indoor track] prepared me for the spring by keeping me conditioned,” Campos said. “I’m glad my return to spring track isn’t this big shock to my system with the multiple miles a week.”
Campos said he enjoys the difficulty of the events he competes in, which include the 1,600-meter race, 3,200-meter race and all distance relays.
“Nothing has ever challenged me like this sport has. I guess that’s what keeps me coming back every day for practice and every week for meets,” said Campos.
