By: Carolyn M. Hartko
Like their counterparts on the boys’ squad, the South Brunswick High School girls’ winter track team is gearing up for a new season with a new twist. Dual meets have become optional, and the results will no longer count towards division standings. Instead, teams will make their own arrangements with other area schools. Division titles will be awarded based on the results of an indoor meet that will also serve as a qualifier for the Greater Middlesex Conference Championship.
"(The new format) opens up the door to a lot more flexibility," Viking head coach Brian Jost said. "We’ll be able to train these kids well, rather than going from a dual meet on Tuesday, to a meet on Thursday, and another meet on Saturday, leaving the kids constantly tired or injured. This way, you can plan the season out based on the indoor meets, and then just go from there. We won’t have to worry about making up dual meets and stuff like that."
Not all of the track athletes will compete in every meet. Jost plans to emphasize different events and/or different age levels at the various indoor invitationals the school is planning on attending.
With few experienced seniors on the team, the Vikings will have a different look. Jost will be relying on a group of talented freshman and sophomores to step up to the level of varsity competition. However, the age difference is not as much a factor as it would be for a boys’ team.
"Girls can usually compete equally with older girls when they’re underclassmen," Jost said. "They mature a little faster (than boys) and a freshmen girl will be able to compete sometimes with an older girl equally. Most freshmen boys have a tough time against senior boys. So, I think the girls will do okay."
The Vikings graduated eight seniors last June, including top sprinter Shante Slaughter, and triple threat Shafeeha Potts (sprints/hurdles/jumps). There are a few girls following in Potts footsteps, led by senior Crista Bruneau-Flynn. The other girls who will be competing in those three events include sophomore Krista Belick and freshman Falen Watson. Junior Olivia Falcon and freshman Weddy Worjroh will do sprints and high jump. Senior Ariene Platenburg and junior Eve Mizerak will concentrate on the sprints.
The distance squad looks strong, led by four-year varsity runner Amy Rhein. She is joined by classmates Amanda Gogolin and Jessica Sassaman, junior Jackie Helfgott, sophomore Jess Bellizio, and freshmen Megan Behrend, Jessica Engel and Stephanie Rodriguez. The latter will also be learning the hurdles. Freshman Rebecca Russo will specialize in the high jump.
The weight squad will have a lot of depth with junior Sara Steepy, seniors Nicole Horvath, Tyler Miller and Aditi Shukla, and freshman Jazmen Burnett.
"I think we’re well-rounded, as we are with the boys," Jost said. "We have talent in every event. We have a lot of freshmen, a lot of sophomores, a good sampling of juniors, and not that many seniors. So, the girls are a little on the younger side than the guys are, but they’ll gain a lot of experience this year."
Assistants Wifredo Rivera and Susan McGrath return to coach both girls and boys distance squads. Adam Nalven works with the sprinters and pole vaulters. Dave Hyatt coaches sprints and high jumps, and Melia McHugh is the throwing coach. Stefan Moorehead, a volunteer coach, helps out with the sprinters. Jost is coaching the hurdlers.
"Up to this point, the girls have really responded well to the coaches, and they’re working hard, and they’re very enthusiastic," Jost said. "It’s good to see that continue. It wasn’t just the first day, or week, but it’s continued through the second week. There’s still that commitment and enthusiasm."
FOOTPRINTS: The Vikings open the season at the Bishop Loughlin Games, a two-day meet held at the 168th Street Armory in New York City. They will be at East Brunswick for an outdoor dual meet on Dec r 22, and back at the Armory for the Holiday Classic on Dec. 28 . . . the Red Division Championship Meet is Jan. 27 at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the GMC Championship will be at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. on Feb. 12.
