By: Redd E. Patrick
Going into the 2006 season, Monroe High School girls track coach Jim Cox was a little skeptical because his team was relying on a several freshmen and sophomores to come through.
One of those sophomores, however, happened to be Nicole Ragucci, who turned out to be one of the most multi-talented athletes in Central Jersey for any grade.
Plus, there were only six seniors on the roster, and one of them happened to be Ely Segarra, a proven distance runner who provided invaluable experience on and off the track.
As it turned out, Ragucci and Segarra led and everyone else followed as the young Falcons enjoyed an outstanding season. Monroe finished with an 8-1 dual-meet record, losing only to unbeaten Bishop Ahr in the Greater Middlesex Conference’s White Division. This Falcons team certainly made their presence felt by setting nine school records.
"This team really exceeded my expectations," Cox said. "Early in the season we were fortunate to beat a pretty good South Plainfield team. That really gave the kids some confidence and things really blossomed from there."
Ragucci was part of seven school records.
Individually, she set new standards in the 100 (12.1), the 200 (25.15), the 400 (56.19) and the pole vault (19-6). Ragucci’s specialty was the 400 where she wound up third in Group IV and fifth in the entire state at the Meet of Champions. Ragucci also qualified for the M of C in the 200. She finished 17th overall. At the Central Jersey Group III Sectionals, Ragucci was second in the 400, third in the pole vault and fourth in the 200 in a big-time display.
"Nicole’s performances were certainly a season highlight," Cox said. "To watch her step up and rise to the level she did was outstanding. Taking part on seven school records speaks for itself."
Ely Segarra also had a big impact. Segarra set a new school standard in the 1600 with a time of 5:21.1. Team-wise, she joined her sophomore sister Damaris Segarra, freshman Margaret Nawracaj and Ragucci on a distance medley team that set a mark in 13:06. Ely also anchored a 4×1600 team which set a record with a time of 23:12. She was joined by Damaris Segarra, senior Allie Push and senior Stephanie Harris.
"Ely led verbally and visually," Cox said. "The kids saw the way she conducted herself and how hard she worked. So they knew if they were on a relay team with her, they had a chance to win. The kids responded to her."
Other youngsters also etched their names into the school record books. In the pole vault relay, freshmen Lisa Olexson and Danielle Rotundo teamed up with Ragucci to set the school mark with a combined clearing of 21-6. In the 4×200, a new record was set as freshmen Rotundo, Sierra Tsang and Caitlin Hoskins joined Ragucci for a time of 1:50.8. In the triple jump, sophomore Serena Tsang set a new individual mark of 30-0.
In the weights, the Falcons were able to compete because of senior Christina Leilli, who doubled in several meets.
"Christina was so consistent," Cox said. "She guaranteed us points in every meet."
Cox also credited seniors Megan Allen (middle distance/high jump) and Jenna Hetzel (3200, shot) with being key contributors.
"We had a great season," Cox said. "We’re losing some depth, but we’re excited about next year with all the kids we have coming back. We’re hopeful of taking down Bishop Ahr and winning the division."
