Whether it was the 100m, 200m, or 400m, their lightning-fast speed and impeccable technique left spectators in awe. Led by Bryan Rivera and Colin McCann, the sprinters’ hard work and focus on improving their times truly paid off. Shareef McMillan performances topped the charts for the Warriors by being ranked 18th in our county class in the 100m with a time of 11.4 seconds and 10th in the 400m with a time of 53.07 seconds, with Ethan Chen not far behind with a ranking of 23rd and a time of 54.8 seconds. Our 4x100m relay team, consisting of Bryan Rivera, Shareef McMillan, Maximus Naglieri, Colin McCann, and Ben Burkhardt, rank 11th with a time of 48.0 seconds.
The Wantagh boys distance runners also made a remarkable impact on the track this year. They showcased incredible endurance, strategy, and mental toughness in their races. Whether it was the 800m, 1600m, or longer distances, their consistent performances and smart race tactics earned them numerous podium finishes. Owen Stachlik and Ian Frazer, led the distance team in points at meets, but teammates Brady Wolken, Ethan Chen and Sean Hart contributed to our success. Owen and Ian both rank in the top 25 for the 1600m and the 3200m races, with Owen ranking 2nd and 4th and Ian ranking 6th and 4th respectively. Brady Wolken and Sean Hart are both within the top 25 as well. Our 800m runners shine as well throughout our county class with Owen ranking 11th, Ethan ranking 18th, and Jacob D’Amico ranking 23rd. Gabriel Avitabile, seeing an opportunity to gain points for our team, added the grueling steeplechase event to his repertoire, a 3000m race that combines distance running with various barriers and water jumps.
The field event athletes of Wantagh’s boys track team displayed exceptional skill and precision throughout the season. From high jump to long jump, shot put to discus, their technical proficiency and athletic prowess were on full display. These athletes consistently showcased their abilities, earning crucial points for the team and contributing to their overall success. Our top performers for our throwers were Thomas Lagomarsino and Vito Barretta in shot-put, with throws of 41’ .25” feet and 39’ 8” respectively, achieving rankings of 4th and 6th in our county class and Kevin Byrne and Vito Barretta in discus, ranking 5th and 8th. All of these throwers are moving on next year, but they will leave behind some talented replacements. As for our jumpers, Aiden King led the high jump, clearing a height of 5’4”. Shareef McMillan again tops the charts for our long jumpers, with a distance of 20’ 4”, ranking him 4th in our county class.
On the flip side for the Shannon Udell, Madi Spar, Victoria Kurz and Sophia Zanelotti, Eileen Felice and Caitlin Donahue (Sprinters), Madison Smith, Sophia Zanelotti, and Shane Adams (100m Hurdles), Madison Smith, Olivia Scherer and Margaret Craig (400m hurdles), Riley Adams, Erin Burns, Margaret Craig, Mia Spiteri, and Juliana Vanorden (Distance), Shane Adams, Madi Spar and Caitlin Donague (Jumpers), Madeline Gigliobianco, Sophia Zanelotti, Michaela Aldino and Lea Vagnone (Throwers).