Season Preview: 08-09 (11/30/08)

Post date: Nov 09, 2009 6:28:26 PM

The Clarkstown High School North Indoor Track and Field team begins the 2008-2009 campaign tomorrow with the Section 1 Kickoff Meet at the NYC Armory. Once again, the boys and girls’ teams look to be spoilers in a league and county filled with State Contenders.

For the boys’ side, senior co-captain, Eric C.is set to dominate the jumps in Rockland County, competing in his specialty the triple jump, and also scoring in high jump and long jump. Joining him in the jumps will be junior Matt G. and sophomore Nick R., who look to take over the mantle as North’s next great jumper. Senior Eugene L. will look to see if he can continue North’s emergence on the pole vault scene. In the throwing events, senior co-captain Brendan L.looks to lead a growing squad of throws coached by Coach Benvenuto. On the track, senior Jelani T.will once again look to break up the sprint team from Ramapo in the 55m. The boys’ middle distance squad is especially deep and will look to continue the tradition set by last year’s award winning 4×800. The group consisting of Mike T., Russ V., Tom S., Matt G., and Nick R. will also look to score points in the 4×400 relay. Look for individual glory from both Russ and Tom, as they have come off a phenomenal cross country season, that saw them honored by the county.

The girls once again are a young team, with just three seniors, but look for the juniors and sophomores to rise to the challenge against difficult competition. The girls are led on the track by senior co-captain Tina M. who looks to lead last year’s 3rd place 4×400 to more glory. Joining her will be MacKenzie M., Jamie E, Sam S., and Caroline B., and the girls look to break the 4:10 barrier. Tina, Sam, and Caroline will also join a fast improving girls 4×800, along with Ali D., Heather J. Bianca I., Lauren K, that hopes to surprise their distance running rivals. Look for the girls to have all four members under 2:25 this season. Off the track, jumps once again lead the way for the Lady Rams. Jamie E., Jen K., Marisabel A., will try to break into the scoring at the county level this year, now that they are a year older, wiser and stronger. Carla D. will improve on her intial pole vaulting effort as a sophomore and look to score in the county meet. The girls throwers will look to improve upon their breakout season from the spring. On the distance side of the track, senior Emma L. hopes to walk her way to a state or national berth in the 1500m Racewalk. Lauren K., coming off an injury riddled cross country season will hope to return to her sophomore year form.

And with a team numbering over 100, there is no telling what the freshmen will bring to this growing program. Could there be a star in the making toiling away around the North Track? Only a season of running, jumping or throwing will tell. And only hard work and dedication will bring on championship glory.