Raven track team getting in shape for a winter run

By: Sean Moylan
   Many high schools use their winter track seasons just to keep the kids in shape for the upcoming spring track and field season.
   But at Robbinsville High, the winter track and field coaches expect some success out of their respective teams along the way.
   "I wouldn’t be surprised if we scored in the indoor relay at states," noted Mike Walker, who’ll be in charge of the Robbinsville boys’ winter track and field team while Rick Smiith, officially, handles the girls’ track squad. However, they both basically work together with Smith working with the sprinters and jumpers while Walker handles the distance runners, pole vaulters and a few other chores. Assistant Andrew Patterson will work with the throwers.
   Sophomore Brian Alston, who made a huge impression during the fall as a running back for Robbinsville’s varsity football team, will be a key sprinter on the winter track team.
   "He (Alston) made it to the states on the 4×400 meter relay team last year," added Walker, who expects big things out of Alston.
   Junior cross country stars Gina Norato and John Harmon and freshman standout Nick Lachman will anchor Robbinsville’s distance team. But after such a long and successful cross country season, Walker will let his three distance stars develop at their own pace this winter. Junior Erin Hankins is a terrific hurdler while sophomore Amy Greubel should shine in the high jump and the shot put this winter.
   "She (Greubel) can be good. We have some really good performers," said Walker, whose team, along with Smith’s squad, is still rounding into shape. Freshman Kaitlyn Gavalchin has also looked very good in the team’s early practices.
   Christian Alexander, Carol Archer, Dan Argese, Angie Avellaneda, Leidy Viviana Avellaneda, Matthew Banziger, Timothy Brazelton, Marissa Clark, Kristina Clements, Dan Delancy, Alexandra Demetriades, John Eckstein, Megan Flynn, Pasquale Guiducci, Rebecca Homan, Benjamin Huynh, Angelika Janiga, Christa Jaskir, Robert Jiggetts, Jack Katzbach, Daniel Killeen, Ryan Lee, Phoebe Lin, Chynna Lucas, Michael Mahoney, Grayson Matera, Zachary Matuzsan, Andrew McLaughlin, Tyler Muir, Daniel Orlak, John Paulino, Michael Schindenwolf, Jacqueline Sikora, Ali Soroush, Silpa Srinivasulu, Laura Swift and Zichen Wang are also on Robbinsville’s winter track roster. Robbinsville may also add a player or two to the roster this week.
   The Ravens have ordered new poles and once they come in Robbinsville should have a pretty decent pole vaulting squad to go along with some its strong sprinters, jumpers and throwers. And of course, Norato, Harmon and Lachman are always dangerous distance runners. Walker and Smith are both great competitors who get the most out of their kids. So look for Robbinsville to treat every meet with special interest.
   Robbinsville may compete in a Christmas meet in a few weeks, but the batch meets start on January 10th at Lawrenceville Prep.