Winter Track 2009-2010 Season Preview By: Russ V

Post date: Nov 27, 2009 1:49:45 PM

As the nights of winter grow longer, Clarkstown North’s Track and Field team turns its attention towards the bright lights of the NYC Armory, and the start of the 2009-2010 indoor track and field season. New coaches Aimee McGowan and Julie Vilord provide additional guidance, as the program continues its resurgence. Expect the Rams to claim a spot as Section One spoilers, while Head Coach Shavitz’s “Sea of Purple” strives towards new success.

On the boy’s side of the track, look for North to further the reputation of its stellar jumping program. Senior Matt G and Junior Nick R seek to add to their collection of medals and continue the success of last year’s captain Eric Chacko. A growing core of developing jumpers that includes Ryan K, Vincent B and Arthur W seeks to join them.

The Rams throwers seek to fill the shoes of Spring Track State Qualifier Abel Gilet. Junior Phil S leads the group. Expect points in the County’s Junior Varsity meets out of Coach Benvenuto’s freshman shot-putters.

The boy’s 4x100m relay was named to the All-Rockland County Honorable Mention Outdoor Track and Field team during the spring. Look for Co-Captain Jason C’s veteran presence to lead the sprinters towards further success in the Indoor Track 4x200m relay. In the 55m dash, Co-Captain Tareek T replaces his brother Jelani as North’s top sprinter. Sophomore Kory M strives for the medal stand as well, as the Rams sprinters seek to fill the huge hole left in Rockland County by the graduation of Ramapo’s state winning 4x400 relay team.

A strong middle-distance squad is lead by Co-Captain Mike T. Expect continued success in the relays with a strong group highlighted by Junior Jon “Darkness” V , Matt G and Nick R. In the distance events, Co-Captain Russ V looks to improve on his second place 3200m performance in last spring’s Rockland County Championship. Look for Junior Tom S to recover from an injury riddled cross country season and continue his development. Joining him is a fast improving indoor track newcomer, Sean R.

Coach Lappi’s ’09-’10 girls team strives for success. Other than the loss of last year’s captain Tina Mindich, the Lady Rams return all of last year’s core athletes.

Clarkstown’s throwers are both strong and young. Sophomore Uche E aims to improve upon her sixth place finish in last spring’s League Championships. Sisters Brooke and Stacey F complete a strong nucleus.

Co-Captain Jamie E leads North in the jumps. A member of last winter’s All-Rockland County Second Team, she aims to improve upon her long jump personal best of 16’-10” and triple jump personal best of 34’-3.5”. Joining her is Junior Marisabel A, a medal winning high jumper in last winter’s League Championship, and Senior Alissa M.

The middle distance squad, lead by Co-Captains Samantha S and Caroline B, has an especially deep roster. Both middle distance relays scored in last season’s County Championships; the 4x400m relay placed fourth, while the 4x800m relay finished sixth. Expect Bianca I, Jen K, Lauren K, Heather J and MacKenzie M to challenge for relay spots as well..

In the 300m dash, expect MacKenzie M to medal often, as she shifts her focus away from the pole vault and instead towards the sprints. Senior racewalker Jenna M seeks a spot on the medal stand as well.

December twelfth is circled on the calendar; it’s the team’s first chance to break old personal bests and claim new medals. As opening night draws nearer, The Rams embrace a season of sweat and hard work.