It’s that time of the year where Hawthorne High School coaches Gus Schell, John La Forge, Jason Patula, and Jayson La Vorne return to the field and prepare the track athletes for the spring 2013 season.
There are high hopes for this track season. La Vorne believes that the athletes are going to be competing at a high level and working hard in practice to achieve their goals. La Vorne stated that “every season you expect to have a great one and this year is no different. We will go as far as we are willing to work, and I believe we can out work ourselves from last year.”
Track fans should expect to see the HHS track team compete well in all 16 track events, with 15 seniors returning and many returning underclassmen varsity athletes.
La Forge was asked if he held high hopes for any of the returning athletes in the 2013 season. La Forge replied, “I have high expectations for the following athletes: William (Trey) Miller, Michael Patullo, Billy Brown, Chris Siracusa, Ian Cabello, Joe D’Elia, Chase Knepper, Eli Zapata, Yazeed Atieh, Chris Altemus, Shane McCann, Ethan Ramos, Evan Ramos, Dwayne Miele, and Enerd Pani because they are all seasoned athletes who performed well last year. Plus we have a large freshman turn out and some newcomers who will help the team’s performance.” Track fans should also look out for Dwayne Miele and Jenna Dyksen. La Vorne adds that these two athletes should have a big year in sprints and jumps.
La Forge mentioned that last year the track team had an undefeated dual meet season and shared the league title with Pompton Lakes. La Vorne stated that he believes that this track season should be great; leaders are coming back on the girls and boys teams for most of the events. La Forge anticipates that the team will be very competitive again this season, and it is possible for them to repeat as league champions.
Track meets consist of the following events: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 meter runs; 110 high hurdles and 400 meter intermediate hurdles; shot put, discus and javelin throwing events; pole vault; and long, triple, and high jumps. The meet concludes with the 4 X 400 relay.