It’s that time of year again; spring track. Almost 50 girls showed up, ready for the start of the spring track season on Friday, March 7. Senior Chelsea Gruber sheds some light on the upcoming season and says she is, “especially excited about this season. With some changes in coaching and plenty of new teammates, we’ve already had a great start. I see a lot of personal records and some solid wins coming our way.”
Leading the team is head coach Mike Rose, with assistant coaches Lauren Rembrandt and Nicole D’Elio, and volunteer coach Sean Begley. All coaches are looking forward to an exciting, fun season filled with new coaching techniques, strong races and bonding events like pick-up games of volleyball, soccer, or ultimate Frisbee.
The newest member of the coaching staff, Lauren Rembrandt, will be bringing her knowledge and coaching style of Gymnastics to the track team as assistant coach. “When Mr. Rose approached me to ask if I was interested, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to be involved in coaching a sport other than gymnastics”. Rembrandt says she is most looking forward to working with the girls and learning everything she can about track, as well as sharing their passion for the sport. “I truly am so excited and eager to work with the girls track team and coaching staff towards our goals and towards a fantastic and memorable season”
The coaches are always encouraging the girls to try different events and the seniors took full advantage of that opportunity, as many of them compete in a variety of events and races. Senior throwers this year are Nadine Norris (javelin and disc,) Megan Gwynn (disc and javelin,) Sam Flemming (disc and shot put,) Nicole Epstein (javelin and disc,) Christal Torres (discus, shot put and 200m run.) This year’s senior sprinters include Chelsea Gruber (100m, 200m, 400m, and 4×4,) Taylor DeBlock (100m, 200m and 400m and shot put) and Megan Chirichella (4×4, 100m, 400m and long jump.) Also, the senior distance runners feature Katie Kreutz (1 mile and 2 miles) and Rachael Janz (400m, 4×4, and 1 mile.)
While captains are still being determined, the coaches are keeping a close eye on the seniors, watching for those who show leadership, motivation, friendliness, and overall a good positive attitude to contribute to the team.
The first scrimmage for the track and field team will be March 22 against Mahwah with the first home meet for the Highlanders on April 7. Come support this determined team at the McCormick Field/Track.
