In freezing temperatures and through slick, icy terrain, the indoor track team trudged on as they always do. Their travels this time took them to a familiar destination, the fabled Bennett Bubble of Toms River. Awaiting them there were some of the premier non-public schools in the state, featuring the likes of CBA and Don Bosco Prep among others. With a daunting task in front of them, matters were made even worse when the ski trip claimed some of the team’s star runners for the weekend. But in spite of their diminutive size and stiff competition, the squad marched into the inflated indoor facility with heads held high, showing the resiliency that had defined their season.

It began in late November where the team came stumbling out of the gate. Riddled with injuries and a litany of other health ailments early on, the squad looked to be in shambles. Their performance at the Union County Relays only affirmed their mounting struggles as many were left disheartened and demoralized. But as the season progressed and the snow started to fall, so too did their times. When the track became unusable, they took to the streets and when the roads were too icy, they faced the formidable hill. But through it all, the team kept grinding and behind the motivation of Coach LeBourne, who attained an astounding three world records this winter season, continued to improve meet by meet. They would also find inspiration from another source: sensational wunderkind Sydney McLaughlin. The record-breaking sophomore star from Union Catholic served as a kindred spirit of sorts, an emblem of excellence that kept the team striving for bigger and better things throughout the season. Her motivation would help the team to superb performances at Counties and Preps, and would prepare them for their next task: the Non Public B State Championships.

On this day, their strength would certainly be tested, but the team would show a tremendous amount of resiliency in battling back yet again. Across the board, each member of the team would have excellent showings to close out the season on a high note. It started with the sprinters who continued their streak of success with two impressive performances in both the 55 and 400 meter dashes. In the 400, Warren Lee, who was coming off a huge PR the previous week, would just miss another season best while compatriot Nick Browne continued his breakout sophomore season by besting Lee yet again in the two lap race. In the 55, Lee would be the lone runner in the field from OP as a scheduling mix up left Kyle Fudenna sidelined. Warren would abandon his unconventional starting stance for the race and put up an admirable fight, ultimately turning in a disappointing performance for his high standards. He would return in the 4×400 relay race to redeem himself and finish the day with a strong performance, this time rejoined by Nick Browne. They would each run excellent legs while freshmen Matt Pavlik and Thomas Snyder performed respectably on the day. As far as the distance crew was concerned, the duo of Max Hubbauer and Jake Noss both competed in the 1600 and 800 meter run and performed very well.  Noss would PR in the mile and Max came just short of qualifying for the Meet of Champions with an 8th place finish in the race. Overall, the team had an incredible showing while the throwers excelled in the shot put as per usual, sending two throwers–Brendan Murphy and John Batista, to the Meet of Champions.

After all was said and done on the season–from dropping (and breaking) batons,  getting kicked out of the Jersey City Armory, wearing Ostrich pillows and confronting track stars uncomfortably, the team had quite a memorable year that will definitely help prepare them for bigger and better things to come during the spring.