East Coast Coasters!!
Lady Minutemen Victorious with No. 2 All-Time Effort In 4 x 200m
May 23rd, Randolph, NJ - Okay, call me ungrateful. The determined Lady Minutemen did medal in both sprint relays. Yes, they did set an FAT school record and No. 4 all-time in another relay. Yes, I did think that they could produce stellar marks, despite two 30 minute lightning delays and a slight chill in the air. Nevertheless, the efforts by the young speedsters were well noticed at the 46th Annual East Coast Relays at Randolph High School.
In the 4x100m relay, the Lady Minutemen entered the race with a nifty 49.46 carry to their credit. At the gun, sophomore Destinee Everett rocketed out of lane 5 determined to place the Lady Minutemen in a prosperous position. The first exchange was to freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, who lit down the backstretch and handed off to sophomore Narcise Gelin. Gelin skated the turn and entrusted the baton to stout senior Nakiyiah McClain to finish off the deal. McClain crossed the finish line 4th in 49.46 seconds, tied for their best race of the season.
After a brief weather delay, the anxious quartet returned to the oval with school record aspirations in mind. With Brathwaite leading off and McClain anchoring, the Lady Minutemen cranked out a respectable 1:44.62 performance for the victory. It nestles in as an FAT (fully automatic timing) school record and #2 all-time.
*********************************************************************************
In the 4x100m relay, the Lady Minutemen entered the race with a nifty 49.46 carry to their credit. At the gun, sophomore Destinee Everett rocketed out of lane 5 determined to place the Lady Minutemen in a prosperous position. The first exchange was to freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, who lit down the backstretch and handed off to sophomore Narcise Gelin. Gelin skated the turn and entrusted the baton to stout senior Nakiyiah McClain to finish off the deal. McClain crossed the finish line 4th in 49.46 seconds, tied for their best race of the season.
After a brief weather delay, the anxious quartet returned to the oval with school record aspirations in mind. With Brathwaite leading off and McClain anchoring, the Lady Minutemen cranked out a respectable 1:44.62 performance for the victory. It nestles in as an FAT (fully automatic timing) school record and #2 all-time.
*********************************************************************************
Lady Minutemen Show Growth At
Union County Championships
May 19th - May 20th, Plainfield - We didn't accomplish every goal this past weekend, but the young Lady Minutemen squad displayed some resiliency while competing at the 2016 Union County Championships in Plainfield, NJ.
On Friday, emerging sophomore Narcise Gelin got the ball rolling with a hard-fought 1:07.92 circuit in the 400m hurdles. For her efforts, she crossed the line 7th overall and also secured her position as the #10 long hurdler in school history. She returned to the track later to record a 1:01.70 personal best in the flat 400m. Fellow sophomores Ruth Louis (1:18.40) and Narcelle Gelin (1:20.49) also gained valuable experience in the barrier race.
In the 100m, frosh Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite (12.88) and senior Nakiyiah McClain (12.93) both dipped below the 13.00 second barrier, but failed to make the stout Union County final. Soph Destinee Everett (13.36) completed the EHS contingent.
On Saturday, the Lady Minutemen displayed great proficiency in the 200m, with all entrants posting new personal bests. The precocious freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite (25.91) led a barrage of EHS runners under 27.00 seconds. Narcise Gelin (26.12) and Destinee Everett (26.78) also eclipsed the respectable barrier.
*********************************************************************************
On Friday, emerging sophomore Narcise Gelin got the ball rolling with a hard-fought 1:07.92 circuit in the 400m hurdles. For her efforts, she crossed the line 7th overall and also secured her position as the #10 long hurdler in school history. She returned to the track later to record a 1:01.70 personal best in the flat 400m. Fellow sophomores Ruth Louis (1:18.40) and Narcelle Gelin (1:20.49) also gained valuable experience in the barrier race.
In the 100m, frosh Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite (12.88) and senior Nakiyiah McClain (12.93) both dipped below the 13.00 second barrier, but failed to make the stout Union County final. Soph Destinee Everett (13.36) completed the EHS contingent.
On Saturday, the Lady Minutemen displayed great proficiency in the 200m, with all entrants posting new personal bests. The precocious freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite (25.91) led a barrage of EHS runners under 27.00 seconds. Narcise Gelin (26.12) and Destinee Everett (26.78) also eclipsed the respectable barrier.
*********************************************************************************
2016 Union County Championships Preview
Several Lady Minutemen Seek To Improve On Conference Performances
As the season wanes, track & field athletes are anxiously striving to attain titles, run personal bests, and secure advancement into late-season state championship meets. The 2016 Elizabeth Lady Minutemen also look to show their improved form at this year's county championships in Plainfield.
Leading the charge for the sprinters will be four-year veteran senior sprinter Nakiyiah McClain. McClain blasted a monster PR of 12.60 in the 100m last weekend to finish 6th. She also ran a credible 1:01.58 seconds in the 400m for another personal best.
Sprite freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite will also be making a bid to qualify for her second consecutive 100m final and improve on her 4th EHS All-Time 12.51. She will also be contesting the 200m and the 400m as well.
Newcomer and sophomore Narcise Gelin will also look to place a legal 400m hurdles mark on the books after a stunning disqualification during last week's conference meet. She will also look to improve on her bronze medal 200m performance of 26.46.
Veteran sophomore Destinee Everett will also be looking to get back on track after disappointing dash results last weekend.
*********************************************************************************
Leading the charge for the sprinters will be four-year veteran senior sprinter Nakiyiah McClain. McClain blasted a monster PR of 12.60 in the 100m last weekend to finish 6th. She also ran a credible 1:01.58 seconds in the 400m for another personal best.
Sprite freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite will also be making a bid to qualify for her second consecutive 100m final and improve on her 4th EHS All-Time 12.51. She will also be contesting the 200m and the 400m as well.
Newcomer and sophomore Narcise Gelin will also look to place a legal 400m hurdles mark on the books after a stunning disqualification during last week's conference meet. She will also look to improve on her bronze medal 200m performance of 26.46.
Veteran sophomore Destinee Everett will also be looking to get back on track after disappointing dash results last weekend.
*********************************************************************************
Sprint Specialists!
Freshman Brathwaite Records Fastest Dash In 17 Years!!
May 14th, Berkeley Heights - The Lady Minutemen may not possess the depth of some programs, but they never lack for quality, discipline, or toughness. With the relay portion of the season well back in the rear-view mirror, the young Elizabeth runners have now turned their focus toward some individual performances. First up? The 2016 Union County Conference Championships at Governor Livingston High School.
With four quality, varsity level sprinters, it was a difficult decision regarding who fills the three 100m slots. Veteran senior Nakiyiah McClain gets one. Dynamo sophomore Destinee Everett gets the next spot. The third slot...after much deliberation...went to precocious freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite.
I cautioned the young Brathwaite that if she didn't perform well, that she might not get the nod next week for the short sprint. Not only did she perform well, but she carved out a nice chunk of history in the process.
After a 12.79 preliminary round (#7 All-Time EHS), Ya-sha-rah motored aggressively down lane 1 in the final to record a 12.51 clocking for 4th place. It was the fastest 100m run by a Lady Minuteman sprinter since senior Laynnea Jones sped 12.19 back in 1999. Senior Nakiyiah McClain also created some history of her own, racing a 12.60 in the final for #7 All-Time and a 6th place finish.
Not to be outdone, first year sophomore Narcise Gelin raised some eyebrows with notable performances of her own.
In the 400m hurdles, Narcise was on her way to a sure 3rd place finish and a superb clocking when she drifted out of her lane before crossing the finish line. She was consequently disqualified for the infraction.
She returned to the track later on in the program and stunned the field with a 26.46 performance in the 200m, running into -1.1 headwind. She was awarded the 3rd place bronze medal for her spectacular effort. Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite also turned in a sub-27.00 second race, chipping in a 26.98 7th place jaunt.
Other notable performance...
* Nakiyiah McClain- 1:01.58 (400m)
* Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite- 1:02.37 (400m)
*********************************************************************************
With four quality, varsity level sprinters, it was a difficult decision regarding who fills the three 100m slots. Veteran senior Nakiyiah McClain gets one. Dynamo sophomore Destinee Everett gets the next spot. The third slot...after much deliberation...went to precocious freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite.
I cautioned the young Brathwaite that if she didn't perform well, that she might not get the nod next week for the short sprint. Not only did she perform well, but she carved out a nice chunk of history in the process.
After a 12.79 preliminary round (#7 All-Time EHS), Ya-sha-rah motored aggressively down lane 1 in the final to record a 12.51 clocking for 4th place. It was the fastest 100m run by a Lady Minuteman sprinter since senior Laynnea Jones sped 12.19 back in 1999. Senior Nakiyiah McClain also created some history of her own, racing a 12.60 in the final for #7 All-Time and a 6th place finish.
Not to be outdone, first year sophomore Narcise Gelin raised some eyebrows with notable performances of her own.
In the 400m hurdles, Narcise was on her way to a sure 3rd place finish and a superb clocking when she drifted out of her lane before crossing the finish line. She was consequently disqualified for the infraction.
She returned to the track later on in the program and stunned the field with a 26.46 performance in the 200m, running into -1.1 headwind. She was awarded the 3rd place bronze medal for her spectacular effort. Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite also turned in a sub-27.00 second race, chipping in a 26.98 7th place jaunt.
Other notable performance...
* Nakiyiah McClain- 1:01.58 (400m)
* Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite- 1:02.37 (400m)
*********************************************************************************
County Relay Cruising!
Young Crew Turns In All-Time Results
May 5th, May 7th, Westfield, NJ - We've been trying to find our speed all season. We knew it was there, but we just couldn't identify where it was and when it was going to surface. Well, I guess it's safe to say that we've discovered a bit of it, and it was on full display at the 2016 Union County Relays in Westfield.
The Lady Minutemen have been drawing tight, inside lanes the entire season, so the lane 2 assignment was of no concern to the Elizabeth sprinters.
Destinee Everett and Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite ran the team into a respectable position after 200m. Sophomore Narcise Gelin scorched the 3rd carry to place the Lady Minutemen in medal contention. Senior and four-year veteran Nakiyiah "Cephus" McClain secured the baton and rocketed across the finish line in 49.46 seconds. Their 3rd place finish not only garnered a bronze medal for the foursome, but locked in their legacy as the #4 team in EHS history!
After a rain-delayed Friday, the Elizabeth girls returned to the oval on Saturday with some unfinished business in mind.
In the 4x200m relay, the Lady Minutemen were chasing the 30 year-old school record of 1:44.3 seconds set back in 1986. They were also chasing another medal in the process. We always say, "You can't place in the 4x100m and NOT place in the 4x200m". They did not disappoint...
The Lady Minutemen were not as "hot" as they were on Thursday, but they rushed the stick around the track in a respectable 1:45.06 seconds, falling just short of the school record. Ya-sha-rah (25.5), Destinee (26.8), Narcise (25.5), and Nakiyiah (26.7) acquired another bronze medal for the team and logged in the #6 performance in school history. Half of a second separates the top 6 positions all-time. Look for the Lady Minutemen to make another run at history later this season.
Other county relay performances....
* Sprint Medley Relay (4:42.90, 12th Place) - Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, Destinee Everett, Nakiyiah McClain.
* 4x400m Relay (4:12.81, 9th Place) - Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Nakiyiah McClain, Narcise Gelin)
********************************************************************************
The Lady Minutemen have been drawing tight, inside lanes the entire season, so the lane 2 assignment was of no concern to the Elizabeth sprinters.
Destinee Everett and Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite ran the team into a respectable position after 200m. Sophomore Narcise Gelin scorched the 3rd carry to place the Lady Minutemen in medal contention. Senior and four-year veteran Nakiyiah "Cephus" McClain secured the baton and rocketed across the finish line in 49.46 seconds. Their 3rd place finish not only garnered a bronze medal for the foursome, but locked in their legacy as the #4 team in EHS history!
After a rain-delayed Friday, the Elizabeth girls returned to the oval on Saturday with some unfinished business in mind.
In the 4x200m relay, the Lady Minutemen were chasing the 30 year-old school record of 1:44.3 seconds set back in 1986. They were also chasing another medal in the process. We always say, "You can't place in the 4x100m and NOT place in the 4x200m". They did not disappoint...
The Lady Minutemen were not as "hot" as they were on Thursday, but they rushed the stick around the track in a respectable 1:45.06 seconds, falling just short of the school record. Ya-sha-rah (25.5), Destinee (26.8), Narcise (25.5), and Nakiyiah (26.7) acquired another bronze medal for the team and logged in the #6 performance in school history. Half of a second separates the top 6 positions all-time. Look for the Lady Minutemen to make another run at history later this season.
Other county relay performances....
* Sprint Medley Relay (4:42.90, 12th Place) - Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, Destinee Everett, Nakiyiah McClain.
* 4x400m Relay (4:12.81, 9th Place) - Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Nakiyiah McClain, Narcise Gelin)
********************************************************************************
Boom And Bust At The Venerable Penn Relays
April 28th, Philadelphia - Penn Relays is the "Mecca" of all track & field meets. It's when the track & field world congregates in one spot on Earth, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lady Minutemen caravan also made this stop on the track tour, running respectably in one relay and running horridly in another.
In the 4x100m relay, the girls survived the frigid temperature an errant pass to finish 3rd in their section in 50.74 seconds. Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain comprised the relay team.
After a short turnaround, the same group doubled back in the 4x400m relay with insipid results. Their time of 4:19.16 was one of their slowest of the season and held up for 10th in their race.
*********************************************************************************
In the 4x100m relay, the girls survived the frigid temperature an errant pass to finish 3rd in their section in 50.74 seconds. Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain comprised the relay team.
After a short turnaround, the same group doubled back in the 4x400m relay with insipid results. Their time of 4:19.16 was one of their slowest of the season and held up for 10th in their race.
*********************************************************************************
Speedsters Serve Notice At Blue Devil Classic
April 23rd, Westfield, NJ - If Saturday is any indication of what the Lady Minutemen sprint teams are capable of, then notice has been served! Elizabeth girls have placed their bids as legitimate sprint relay threats indicated by their performances at the 2016 Blue Devil Classic in Westfield.
In the 4x100m relay, the consistent foursome of Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain torqued out a seasonal best 50.35 seconds for a 5th place finish. 35 total teams contested the varsity relay race.
The freshmen/sophomore 4x100m squad of Narcelle Gelin, Ruth Louis, Samia Alston, and Naphka Francois also finished a respectable 7th out of 26 teams. Their 55.70 was a seasonal best for the underling group.
In the 4x200m relay, with Ya-sha-rah and Destinee switching positions, the tenacious group cranked out a noteworthy 1:46.12 800m carry. The 5th place finish was a seasonal best and the fastest EHS performance since 2008.
*********************************************************************************
In the 4x100m relay, the consistent foursome of Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain torqued out a seasonal best 50.35 seconds for a 5th place finish. 35 total teams contested the varsity relay race.
The freshmen/sophomore 4x100m squad of Narcelle Gelin, Ruth Louis, Samia Alston, and Naphka Francois also finished a respectable 7th out of 26 teams. Their 55.70 was a seasonal best for the underling group.
In the 4x200m relay, with Ya-sha-rah and Destinee switching positions, the tenacious group cranked out a noteworthy 1:46.12 800m carry. The 5th place finish was a seasonal best and the fastest EHS performance since 2008.
*********************************************************************************
Lady Minutemen Produce Multiple Medal Winners In Ramsey
April 16th, Ramsey, NJ - As the weeks progress, more and more battle-ready Lady Minutemen will begin to emerge from the background. Fitness levels were pushed to the limits at the inaugural Ram Relays at Ramsey High School.
The hurdlers took stage here, as this event showcased the rarely run 3 x 100m hurdles relay. The novice team struck first, as they produced a school record 1:03.9 seconds. Naphka Francois, Lornaa Morales, and Thamara Desir comprised the 6th place squad. That school record was short lived once the varsity team took the track. Narcelle Gelin, Ruth Louis, and Narcise Gelin obliterated that mark by shaving off 6.1 seconds. Their 57.8 second jaunt also produced a 6th place result.
Narcise teamed up with precocious freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite to produce another school record hurdle race. In the scarcely contested 2 x 400m hurdle relay, their combined time of 2:27.7 garnered a 4th place finish for the team. Narcise contributed a 1:08.9 leg to the team.
Short on experience with the distance squad this season, the Lady Minutemen looked to senior Nakiyiah McClain to carry more than her load in the sprint medley relay. Sophomore Destinee Everett set the table with a 1:01.1 400m leg. Ya-sha-rah (24.6) and Narcise (26.1) screamed the 200m legs to secure a first place position after the penultimate stage. McClain, running twice as long as the first three legs combined, churned out a 2:38.5 800m leg, holding on for a 3rd place finish for Elizabeth.
Other notable performances:
Novice Girls Distance Medley Relay (15:29.9 - 5th): Waad Sayed, Ruth Louis, Noura Hanno, Mahassin Shaw
Novice Girls 4x100m Relay (56.1 - 3rd Place): Samia Alston, Mawen Sorsor, Narcelle Gelin, Naphka Francois
Varsity Girls 4x100m Relay (51.0 - 1st Place): Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, Nakiyiah Mcclain
Novice Girls 4x200m Relay (2:02.7 - 5th Place): Mawen Sorsor, Samia Alston, Narcelle Gelin, Naphka Francois
*********************************************************************************
The hurdlers took stage here, as this event showcased the rarely run 3 x 100m hurdles relay. The novice team struck first, as they produced a school record 1:03.9 seconds. Naphka Francois, Lornaa Morales, and Thamara Desir comprised the 6th place squad. That school record was short lived once the varsity team took the track. Narcelle Gelin, Ruth Louis, and Narcise Gelin obliterated that mark by shaving off 6.1 seconds. Their 57.8 second jaunt also produced a 6th place result.
Narcise teamed up with precocious freshman Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite to produce another school record hurdle race. In the scarcely contested 2 x 400m hurdle relay, their combined time of 2:27.7 garnered a 4th place finish for the team. Narcise contributed a 1:08.9 leg to the team.
Short on experience with the distance squad this season, the Lady Minutemen looked to senior Nakiyiah McClain to carry more than her load in the sprint medley relay. Sophomore Destinee Everett set the table with a 1:01.1 400m leg. Ya-sha-rah (24.6) and Narcise (26.1) screamed the 200m legs to secure a first place position after the penultimate stage. McClain, running twice as long as the first three legs combined, churned out a 2:38.5 800m leg, holding on for a 3rd place finish for Elizabeth.
Other notable performances:
Novice Girls Distance Medley Relay (15:29.9 - 5th): Waad Sayed, Ruth Louis, Noura Hanno, Mahassin Shaw
Novice Girls 4x100m Relay (56.1 - 3rd Place): Samia Alston, Mawen Sorsor, Narcelle Gelin, Naphka Francois
Varsity Girls 4x100m Relay (51.0 - 1st Place): Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, Nakiyiah Mcclain
Novice Girls 4x200m Relay (2:02.7 - 5th Place): Mawen Sorsor, Samia Alston, Narcelle Gelin, Naphka Francois
*********************************************************************************
McClain Makes Moves
April 13th, Union - I am not a big fan of the dual meet. It is a relic of the past, much like VHS tapes, blenders, and cassette players. We hold on to these ancient artifacts because we don't know how to get rid of them....anyway...
Senior Nakiyiah McClain turned in a notable performance in the 400m. Battling blustery winds and a hostile environment, Nakiyiah crossed the line in 1:01.4 seconds. It was the fastest dual meet run during my tenure and a fine sign of things to come in the future. Later, she reinforced her open performance with a 1:01.3 lead-off leg on the runner-up 4x400m relay team. Destinee Everett (1:04.0), Narcelle Gelin (1:07.2), and Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite (1:04.2) completed the 4:17.7 metric mile in their first race of that length this season.
********************************************************************************
Senior Nakiyiah McClain turned in a notable performance in the 400m. Battling blustery winds and a hostile environment, Nakiyiah crossed the line in 1:01.4 seconds. It was the fastest dual meet run during my tenure and a fine sign of things to come in the future. Later, she reinforced her open performance with a 1:01.3 lead-off leg on the runner-up 4x400m relay team. Destinee Everett (1:04.0), Narcelle Gelin (1:07.2), and Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite (1:04.2) completed the 4:17.7 metric mile in their first race of that length this season.
********************************************************************************
Lady Minutemen Turn In Bittersweet Performance In Hackensack
April 9th, Hackensack, NJ - The young Lady Minutemen are discovering early on that victory and success are not something that is given, but always earned! This could not be more evident than the sprint relays at the 2016 Comet Relays at Hackensack High School.
The day got off to a rocky start with poor baton execution in the 4x100m relay. Despite running one tenth slower than the previous week, the stouter competition resulted in a mediocre 4th place finish. The team of Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain stopped the clock in a mediocre 51.4 seconds.
In the 4x200m relay, it appeared that the Lady Minutemen had righted the ship with a decisive victory in the opening section. Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Destinee Everett, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain checked in with a season-best 1:48.1 seconds. Unfortunately, races have multiple sections. In the second section, a very determined Paramus Catholic team dropped a HAMMER, stopping the clock at 1:46.0 sections and easily relegating the dumbfounded Lady Minutemen to 2nd place.
*********************************************************************************
The day got off to a rocky start with poor baton execution in the 4x100m relay. Despite running one tenth slower than the previous week, the stouter competition resulted in a mediocre 4th place finish. The team of Destinee Everett, Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain stopped the clock in a mediocre 51.4 seconds.
In the 4x200m relay, it appeared that the Lady Minutemen had righted the ship with a decisive victory in the opening section. Ya-sha-rah Brathwaite, Destinee Everett, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain checked in with a season-best 1:48.1 seconds. Unfortunately, races have multiple sections. In the second section, a very determined Paramus Catholic team dropped a HAMMER, stopping the clock at 1:46.0 sections and easily relegating the dumbfounded Lady Minutemen to 2nd place.
*********************************************************************************
Lady Minutemen Open With Double Victory In Ridgewood
April 2nd, Ridgewood, NJ - Despite the blustery wind and frigid rain that denotes early spring, the ambitious Lady Minutemen wasted little time in commencing their outdoor campaign with two resounding victories at the 2016 Pawlowski Relays at BF Middle School in Ridgewood, NJ.
In the 4x100m relay, Destinee Everett, Ya-Sha-Rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain rocketed one circuit of the hairpin-shaped oval in 51.3 seconds. Their performance was the fastest opener for an Elizabeth team in the past 12 seasons.
The same quartet returned to the track shortly after to record victory in the 4x200m relay as well. Their time of 1:50.6 seconds listed in as the 2nd fastest opener in the past 12 seasons.
*******************************************************************************
In the 4x100m relay, Destinee Everett, Ya-Sha-Rah Brathwaite, Narcise Gelin, and Nakiyiah McClain rocketed one circuit of the hairpin-shaped oval in 51.3 seconds. Their performance was the fastest opener for an Elizabeth team in the past 12 seasons.
The same quartet returned to the track shortly after to record victory in the 4x200m relay as well. Their time of 1:50.6 seconds listed in as the 2nd fastest opener in the past 12 seasons.
*******************************************************************************
2015-2016 Indoor Winter Track & Field Schedule/Results
DATE OPPONENT/MEET LOCATION TIME
December 18, 2015 Colgate Women's Games Brooklyn 5:00 PM
December 19, 2015 Bishop Loughlin Games Staten Island 8:50 AM
December 21, 2015 Spiked Shoe Holiday Classic Manhattan 5:00 PM
December 26, 2015 North Shore Winter Classic Manhattan 8:50 AM
December 28, 2015 Coach Glynn Holiday Carnival Staten Island 10:00 AM
January 9, 2016 Union County Relays Jersey City 9:00 AM
January 13, 2016 Union County Frosh/Soph Elizabeth 5:00 PM
January 16, 2016 Molloy Stanner Games Manhattan 9:00 AM
January 20, 2016 Armory Frosh/Novice Meet Manhattan 5:00 PM
January 30, 2016 Union County Championships Jersey City 9:00 AM
February 3, 2016 Metropolitan Invitational Manhattan 5:00 PM
February 8, 2016 Armory Varsity Classic Manhattan 5:00 PM
February 13, 2016 NJSIAA N2 G4 Championship Toms River 3:30 PM
December 18, 2015 Colgate Women's Games Brooklyn 5:00 PM
December 19, 2015 Bishop Loughlin Games Staten Island 8:50 AM
December 21, 2015 Spiked Shoe Holiday Classic Manhattan 5:00 PM
December 26, 2015 North Shore Winter Classic Manhattan 8:50 AM
December 28, 2015 Coach Glynn Holiday Carnival Staten Island 10:00 AM
January 9, 2016 Union County Relays Jersey City 9:00 AM
January 13, 2016 Union County Frosh/Soph Elizabeth 5:00 PM
January 16, 2016 Molloy Stanner Games Manhattan 9:00 AM
January 20, 2016 Armory Frosh/Novice Meet Manhattan 5:00 PM
January 30, 2016 Union County Championships Jersey City 9:00 AM
February 3, 2016 Metropolitan Invitational Manhattan 5:00 PM
February 8, 2016 Armory Varsity Classic Manhattan 5:00 PM
February 13, 2016 NJSIAA N2 G4 Championship Toms River 3:30 PM
SPRING 2015 IS UNDERWAY!!
"Track" the Lady Minutemen as they undertake a demanding and challenging schedule.
2015 Outdoor Track & Field Schedule
2015 Outdoor Track & Field Schedule
DATE OPPONENT/MEET LOCATION TIME
April 1, 2015 Union Union 4:00 PM
April 4, 2015 Pawlowski Relays Ridgewood 9:00 AM
April 8, 2015 Scotch Plains Elizabeth 10:00 AM
April 11, 2015 Comet Relays Hackensack 9:00 AM
April 15, 2015 Westfield/Plainfield Westfield 4:00 PM
April 18, 2015 Blue Devil Classic Westfield 9:00 AM
April 21, 2015 Plainfield/Linden Elizabeth 4:00 PM
April 22-23, 2015 Penn Relays University of Penn All Day
April 30, 2015 Union County Relays (Day 1) Westfield 4:00 PM
May 1, 2015 Union County Relays (Day 2) Westfield 4:00 PM
May 4, 2015 Union County JV Meet Plainfield 4:00 PM
May 8, 2015 U.C.C. Champs Gov. Livingston 4:00 PM
May 9, 2015 U.C.C. Champs Gov. Livingston 9:00 AM
May 14, 2015 Union County Championships Plainfield 4:00 PM
May 15, 2015 Union County Championships Plainfield 4:00 AM
May 22, 2015 NJSIAA State Sectionals Ridge HS 4:00 PM
May 23, 2015 NJSIAA State Sectionals Ridge HS 9:00 AM
May 29, 2015 NJSIAA Group 4 Championships Egg Harbor 4:00 PM
May 30, 2015 NJSIAA Group 4 Championships Egg Harbor 9:00 AM
June 3, 2015 NJSIAA Meet of Champions S. Plainfield 5:00 PM
******************************************************************************************
April 1, 2015 Union Union 4:00 PM
April 4, 2015 Pawlowski Relays Ridgewood 9:00 AM
April 8, 2015 Scotch Plains Elizabeth 10:00 AM
April 11, 2015 Comet Relays Hackensack 9:00 AM
April 15, 2015 Westfield/Plainfield Westfield 4:00 PM
April 18, 2015 Blue Devil Classic Westfield 9:00 AM
April 21, 2015 Plainfield/Linden Elizabeth 4:00 PM
April 22-23, 2015 Penn Relays University of Penn All Day
April 30, 2015 Union County Relays (Day 1) Westfield 4:00 PM
May 1, 2015 Union County Relays (Day 2) Westfield 4:00 PM
May 4, 2015 Union County JV Meet Plainfield 4:00 PM
May 8, 2015 U.C.C. Champs Gov. Livingston 4:00 PM
May 9, 2015 U.C.C. Champs Gov. Livingston 9:00 AM
May 14, 2015 Union County Championships Plainfield 4:00 PM
May 15, 2015 Union County Championships Plainfield 4:00 AM
May 22, 2015 NJSIAA State Sectionals Ridge HS 4:00 PM
May 23, 2015 NJSIAA State Sectionals Ridge HS 9:00 AM
May 29, 2015 NJSIAA Group 4 Championships Egg Harbor 4:00 PM
May 30, 2015 NJSIAA Group 4 Championships Egg Harbor 9:00 AM
June 3, 2015 NJSIAA Meet of Champions S. Plainfield 5:00 PM
******************************************************************************************
A Run For The "Ages"
Youth Serves Notice As Lady Minutemen Post First Sub-50 Performance Since 2008
June 4th, South Plainfield, NJ - For the past 8 seasons, the EHS Lady Minutemen sprinters have been suffering a "drought" of sorts. Consider what had been accomplished during the 2007 and 2008 outdoor seasons: A 2-time Watchung Conference 100m Champion (Marline Edmond- 2007, 2008), a Watchung Conference 4x400m Champion (2008), and a Union County 4x 100m Champion (2007). That particular span of years also arguably encompassed the best GROUP of sprinters in recent history:
Athlete 100m 200m 400m
Marline Edmond 12.76 (#6) 25.73 (#3) 1:00.98 (#10)
Shirley Jeffcoat 12.83 (#7) 25.94 (#5)
Monique Wylie 12.87 (#8) 26.34 (#7) 1:00.75 (#8)
From 2009 to 2013, the Lady Minutemen have exhibited mediocrity personified. Only one sub-13.00 second sprinter and NO quality sprint relays...
From the onset, the 2014 edition of sprinting for the Lady Minutemen didn't appear to be quite appealing. Several new unknown faces with inexperienced legs and a flea market collection of veteran athletes who haven't quite discovered what they aspire to accomplish running track.
After two months of mixing and matching an array of athletes into sprint relay teams, the dust finally settled on the varsity relay personnel: Sophs Nia Sturgis and Nakiyiah McClain, super frosh Autumn Sloane, and outdoor "newcomer" junior Gabrielle Gilbert.
On April 19, 2014 at the Comet Relays, they made their season debut to the tune of two victories...a 51.9 circuit in the 4x100 and a 1:50.8 triumph in the 4x200m relay.
The very next week at the Union County Relays, the young group improved slightly with two top 10 finishes. They turned in a 51.44 (9th) and a nifty 1:49.11 for 8th in the 4x200m relay.
The absence of Nia Sturgis at the conference and county meets spelled the emergence of another freshman speedster, Tyvonna Marlin. Tyvonna sped a 13.21 in the 100m, which solidified her position on the sprint relay squads.
The newly assembled relay squad with Marlin on the 2nd leg discovered quick chemistry, as they sped 50.87 and 1:47.77 at the 2014 East Coast Relays on May 19th.
On May 24th, the Lady Minutemen continued their late season march by finishing 4th at the NJSIAA Sectional Championships in the 4x100m. Their time of 50.35 was a seasonal best and also confirmed that this young quartet had a credible shot of running under 50 seconds before season's end. Only 8 teams have done it in the 30+ years of track at EHS. Top 6 finishers at the sectional championships advanced to the group championships.
At the NJSIAA Group 4 Championships, the Lady Minutemen speedsters stepped up once again. They circled the 400m oval in 50.03 seconds. It was a seasonal best and #9 on the EHS All-Time list! Their clutch performance punched their ticket to the 2014 NJSIAA Meet of Champions.
The Lady Minutemen were confident that they could stop the clock with a sub-50 second run. It was the final meet of the season and their last opportunity to join the Lady Minutemen elite. They did not disappoint! Gabrielle Gilbert blasted out of the starting blocks, putting her team in prime position to run fast. Freshman Tyvonna Marlin screamed the 2nd leg, improving the team's position in their heat. Sophomore Nakiyiah McClain, skated the turn on the 3rd leg, setting up an anchor leg showdown with 7 other squads. Nakiyiah handed off the baton to frosh Autumn Sloan, an EHS top 10 all-time sprinter.
Sloane powered the Lady Minutemen home first in their section in a nifty 49.83 seconds. It was the 8th fastest performance in EHS history and the first sub-50 run since 2008! Congratulations to the Lady Minutemen sprinters for a superb season.
*******************************************************************************************
"A La Fen!"
Esther Jean-Louis Doubles Back From 800m Victory, Obliterates Long Standing 30 Year-Old School Record In The 3200m
May 10th, Berkeley Heights, NJ - Esther's record-chasing weekend got off to a slow start after she finished 4th in the 1600m run on Friday. Her mark of 5:24.98 was about half a second from her personal best, but nearly 8 seconds away from the 5:16.90 set by Jessica Rodriguez 13 seasons ago.
Esther regrouped on Saturday and turned in one of the best one-day efforts ever by an EHS mid-distance athlete at the Union County Conference Championships in Berkeley Heights.
In the first event of the day, Esther shocked the field by running away with the Watchung division 800m with a personal best of 2:23.29. It was the 3rd best performance ever by an EHS track athlete. It was also the fastest performance of the day by any female athlete in the 800m from the 3 divisions.
Saving her best for last, Esther battled defending champion Gabby Stravatch of Westfield for 8 laps and crossed the line 2nd in 11:38.64, bettering EHS legend Jackie Diaz' 1984 standard of 11:51.9. Look for Esther to improve on this mark by season's end.
Outstanding freshman Autumn Sloane also made her presence felt with some eye-opening performances of her own.
In her first ever time competing in the triple jump, Autumn hopped, skipped, and jumped 32' 5" on her 3rd attempt. That leap ranked as the #3 performance in school history.
Esther regrouped on Saturday and turned in one of the best one-day efforts ever by an EHS mid-distance athlete at the Union County Conference Championships in Berkeley Heights.
In the first event of the day, Esther shocked the field by running away with the Watchung division 800m with a personal best of 2:23.29. It was the 3rd best performance ever by an EHS track athlete. It was also the fastest performance of the day by any female athlete in the 800m from the 3 divisions.
Saving her best for last, Esther battled defending champion Gabby Stravatch of Westfield for 8 laps and crossed the line 2nd in 11:38.64, bettering EHS legend Jackie Diaz' 1984 standard of 11:51.9. Look for Esther to improve on this mark by season's end.
Outstanding freshman Autumn Sloane also made her presence felt with some eye-opening performances of her own.
In her first ever time competing in the triple jump, Autumn hopped, skipped, and jumped 32' 5" on her 3rd attempt. That leap ranked as the #3 performance in school history.