By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
The South Brunswick High School Boys Varsity Track Team is looking for a victorious 2011 season according to Head Coach Wilfredo Rivera.
The team has 20 returning seniors and 127 underclassmen combining for a total of 147 participants.
Four of the returning seniors; Dominick Padovano, Juwan Tisdale, Kotey Ashie and Alex Weinrich were upgraded to team captains according to Mr. Rivera.
”This year we lost 21 runners that received varsity awards, but losing them will not affect the outcome of the season.,” Mr. Rivera said. “Any gaps we may have right now, one of our runners will fill.”
This season, the team is adjusting and transitioning from the loss of some of the prominent runners from last year because they all were factors to the team’s success. Also, the underclassmen need to gain some experience and have a comfort level on the team, Mr. Rivera said.
According to Mr. Rivera, all of his new team captains show great potential and have great skill, but he said that shot-put player, Mr. Padovano is a “high quality” asset to the team.
”Dominick can carry the momentum he has from the winter track season to the spring,” Mr. Rivera said. “ He is definitely talented enough to handle the transition.”
At the end of the 2010 season, the team obtained a record of 6:2 and won the GMC Relays. Mr. Rivera said that winning the GMC Relays portrays the depth and true skill of the team.
This season, all of the captains and Mr. Rivera strive to win the GMC Relays again and win the Red Division Championship and the GMC Championship.
”As a team we need to work hard and leave all of our skill out on the track. We need to give every meet our best effort,” Mr. Ashie said.
In Mr. Rivera’s six years coaching the team, he has observed that East Brunswick High School and Old Bridge High School are the team’s biggest competitors because they are well-coached which shows through their traditional and consistent runners.
The team’s first invitational meet, the GMCTCA Relays, was Saturday April second, and the team has undeniable potential and is living up to their standard so far with six champion relays according to Mr. Rivera.
Despite losing some significant runners, the team has an optimistic view of the upcoming season and certainly started the season off strong. Each captain is eager to improve the team in any way they can contribute.
”When I see the team win and see us achieve goals it is great to see all of us happy and celebrating together,” Mr. Padovano said.

