Article by Phoenix writer Cristina Palmieri ’25:
Over the winter break, the Boys Track and Field team competed at the New York Catholic State Varsity Championships. They were one of two Long Island Schools to qualify and the highest ranking Long Island school. The team went in as seventh seed but placed fifth, exceeding expectations.
Sophomore Damion Gordon Jr. kicked things off with a silver medal performance in the 55-meter dash, earning a spot at the State Federation Championships and setting a new school record.
Nicolas Baldwin set two massive personal bests in the 300-meter dash trials and finals, securing a place to represent the CHSAA in the intersectional distance medley relay.
The 4 by 200 relay team of Mario Sanabria, Nicolas Baldwin, Oscar Nuñez, and Damion Gordon Jr. also qualified for the State Federation Championships. Special thanks to Amir Ajenishe for his crucial role in helping the relay qualify for the final.
The following weekend, the team of Nicolas Baldwin, Mario Sanabria, Amir Ajenishe, and Zach Paggi brought home bronze medals in the 4 by 400 relay at the USATF Indoor National Championships. This excellent performance at States earned the team All State Honors in this event for the first time since 2004.
“I’m thoroughly impressed with their commitment and dedication despite less than ideal weather conditions and injuries,” shared head coach Mr. Moncada.
Following this victory, the team is gearing up for the Nike Indoor Nationals at the Armory in Washington Heights. Congratulations to the team and best of luck in finishing the season.