On February 8th, 2025, the MHS winter track team competed in Toms River for sectionals! Everyone had to be at the school at 6:30 AM, although, due to the upcoming snow, times got pushed back and everyone was ordered to be at the school at 5:30 AM.
Long distance runner Damian Smutek showed the team greatness by running the 1600 (one mile) and the 3200 (two miles).
“While running the mile, I felt really good. It felt easy up until the 7th lap [which would be second to last on a 200 meter track]. For my second race, the 2 miler, I felt okay up until mile one, where, eventually, I began to slow down. To prepare myself for the races, I hydrated, slept well the day before, and rolled out/massaged before my first race. Before my second race, I massaged and did a shake out run. I think the environment affected me there at the Toms River track. The air quality is sort of dusty making it hard to breathe- also the track is way more difficult to run on. Personally, I like Ocean Breeze more than the Toms River track. I was pretty content with the mile rather than the 2 mile. Normally, it’s fine running two races, but when it’s the mile and two mile it’s like running a 5k and harder than any other race. And as always, my coaches and teammates motivate me to do my best!”
For the girls, Haisha Lasluiza came in clutch for the 400 after not running for 2 and ½ weeks due to a previous appendix surgery.
“I was mentally preparing myself for the race while having my appendix surgery in mind and being aware of my current health situation as well. I wanted to work hard and not pressure myself too much knowing about my recent surgery. It was definitely harder to run after being off of sports for 2 ½ weeks, and, while running the 400 I felt really out of shape towards the end. Toms River also has a really bad track, and the outcome would have been different if I had been more prepared physically and mentally due to the surgery. I wasn’t able to reach the expectations the rankings had for me, making it a bit more challenging. Although, in the end, I was definitely proud of myself knowing my circumstances, and I made it to groups which exceeded my expectations. My coaches, teammates, and family motivate me, along with my friends and self-motivation. My advice for my teammate and other runners would be to have courage and confidence, always be consistent, and to work hard, but don’t be so hard on yourself!”
Boys sectional runners included Sammy Echiverri, Alejandro Aguilera, Samil Villar, Jack Vanegas, Jayran Rodriguez, Damian Smutek, Gabe Zala, Braeden Fletcher, Yadriel Morales, Maddox Brown, Nika Jokhidze, Professor Ceo, and Serigne Fallou Lo. Girls sectional runners included Haisha Lasluiza, Kailey Seawright, Michelle Smutek, Noelani Santos, Guadalupe Salmeron, Summer Luna, Jayde Thompson, and Kamille Aly.
As for the medalists, Rian, Professor, Damian, Gabe, Jayron, Haisha, Samil, Kaiylee, Jayde, and Kamille all succeeded in their races. Although the area and the early time of the races on that Saturday made tiny complications for the team, overall, the team was led to greatness and success in all races!
