Upperclassmen leading young Jaguars squad
By DEAN DELLAMALVA JR.
MVI Sports
The Thomas Jefferson track team will look much different than in years past. The team has a large infusion of youth joining a small, but solid upperclassmen group.
This combination gives the Jaguars leadership at the top and can look to a brighter future.
“The makeup of our team is roughly 70% freshmen and sophomores,” TJ coach Billy Paull said. “This is a great place to be in, in my opinion, because us as coaches have a great opportunity to grow one of the biggest teams we’ve had in my seven years of coaching in this district. The upperclassmen have been essential in displaying the attitudes and dedication it takes to succeed.”
Those upperclassmen tasked with leading the youthful Thomas Jefferson team will be senior Sophia Natter and junior Alaina Sluk on the girls side with seniors Alex Folino and Kaiden Smith for the boys. They are helping with adjustments as well as the return to competition after a year hiatus.
“Everyone started off somewhat concerned as to if they would be able to get to the performance level they remembered being at almost two years ago,” Paull said. “I promised them that if they put in the work prior to the heart of the season, we could get them to where they were the last time they were on the track or in the field, and I think we are just about there.”
Natter will be a contender for placing in every meet in the javelin, shot and discus. Sluk will lead the team in relays and the triple jump.
There have also been some sophomore girls performing well early in the year. Mya Greshner in the 200 meters, Emma Martinis in the 800 and Bella Vozar in the 400 meters have all posted competitive times and can greatly impact team results by placing.
“I did not expect to see any underclassmen reaching these marks before April, which is the heart of the season,” Paull said. “I am thrilled to see not only what they can achieve in their individual events, but also in the 4×400 meter relay with teammates, (junior) Elana Kondos and (sophomore) Kiley Dorrian.”
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