Track and field is an exciting and challenging sport popular for generations. This sport involves a variety of physical and mental skills when running, jumping, or throwing. Each event consists of speed, agility, and endurance. Track and field are effective ways for young athletes to develop physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship while competing against other schools or teams.

One of the most significant aspects of track and field is training. Boys need to develop the right techniques for each event to become successful athletes. In addition to mental and physical strength, coaches play a crucial role in helping boys reach their full potential. This is done by providing guidance, motivation, and support. Aiden Baldelli mentions how his coach’s “high expectations pushed me to set my expectations even higher.”

In addition to physical training, boys’ track and field also requires mental preparation. Athletes must learn to focus on their goals, overcome obstacles, and stay motivated to better themselves throughout the season. When playing a sport that is very demanding on you, Josh Augustine states that he “shows consistency in showing up to practice even when I hate it.” With this, athletes also need to develop exemplary sportsmanship, which means showing respect for their opponents, coaches, and officials. This is regardless of the race outcome. However, it is easy for the EB track team boys to understand that all runners deserve respect. Many of these athletes have run together since middle school. “You practice around the same people every day and learn and build relationships with them,” says Joshua.

Boys track and field offers a wide range of events, from sprints and relays to jumps and throws. Sprinting events require explosive speed and quick reflexes, while endurance events like the 800m or 1500m demand stamina and pacing. Setting an excellent example, opening the season on April 15th, East Brunswick placed first in the 800-meter sprint medley relay finals!

Events like the high and long jump call for perfection in technique, timing, and coordination. Throwing events such as the shot put requires strength and precision. In addition to EB’s first-place win in the 800m, Arjun Kapadia finished fourth in the varsity boy’s pole vault. He was the only EB member to touch the winning scoreboard. Furthermore, senior varsity disc thrower, Risa Ferrari, opens up about how “disc has created an open and free space aside from school and home.” In her debrief about how she first started disc, she emphasizes the lessons it taught her along the way. For example, “the level of dedication you have to carry with you. Anyone can throw a disc but it takes concentration and precision to do it well.”

Boys track and field offers the opportunity to compete as a team. Relay races require quick coordination and teamwork, and athletes must learn to work together to achieve this common goal. Although this sport is mainly individual, “the comradery between seeing each other every day at school, track practice, and weekend meets basically all year definitely builds friendships on this track, which is what makes us a team” states Josh Augustine. This helps boys develop valuable social and leadership skills on and off the track.  In conclusion, boys’ track and field is a challenging yet rewarding sport that offers numerous benefits to young athletes. Whether they are sprinters, jumpers, or throwers, East Brunswick boys have brought excellence and pride back to their school with their commitment and thrilling records each year.