![Indoor Track seniors in GSB uniforms]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678473188/gsbschoolorg/izhkkv1nrnoehife4azv/IndoorTrackSeniorsnewsrotation.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678473188/gsbschoolorg/izhkkv1nrnoehife4azv/IndoorTrackSeniorsnewsrotation.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1678473188/gsbschoolorg/izhkkv1nrnoehife4azv/IndoorTrackSeniorsnewsrotation.jpg","width":800}])
The 2022-23 Indoor Track and Field season was filled with strong performances and great strides.
Head Coach Shelley LaBarre reflects fondly on the team, “Indoor Track & Field is one of the toughest sports. We train outdoors to compete indoors. It takes a special athlete to endure those elements and keep a positive attitude. They are mentally tough as well as physically tough. This Senior class has been special. Their level of athleticism, work ethic, and dedication are amazing. They are leaders and will do anything for the team and in turn, makes everyone around them better.”
“They work hard and compete against the toughest schools in the tri-state area. It's a joy to hear the laughter radiate through the bus on our rides to Toms River, Staten Island, and NYC to name a few. The team enjoys being together. That's a special bond that can't be coached.” The team is connected both on and off the field. Coach LaBarre is also proud of the team for volunteering for community events such as Girls & Women in Sports Day and Bingo Night.
The Knights held strong in the Non-Public B State Relays with the girls placing eighth and the boys placing tenth. The Girls Shuttle Hurdle Relay team of Samantha Leo, Angie Bonaventura, Kendall Bell, and Josephine Adebambo placed third. Delaney Yates, Samantha Leo, Caroline Rongen, and Ema Hercules placed fourth in the Girls 4x400 Relay and Delaney Yates, Sam Leo, Elise Cantu, and Ema Hercules placed fourth in the Girls Sprint Medley. The Boys Shuttle Hurdle Relay team of Will Engelke, Drew Vollrath, Oliver Litchfield, Matthew Segal placed fourth while breaking the School record from the 2021 Somerset County Championships.
“The relays are always a great way to bring our team together to work for that common goal. The medley relays, particularly, combine distance runners with sprinters and it's always some of the most exciting races to watch and a true testament to teamwork! Equally fun is watching our young shot putters combine their efforts in the relays.”
Other notable moments in the season included strong showings of Will Engelke in the Somerset County Championships placing 5th in the 55 meter Hurdles and Samantha Leo placing 5th in the Long Jump. Leo also qualified for the Long Jump Eastern State Championships.
Coach LaBarre is optimistic when looking to GSB’s Track and Field future. “Whether athletes join us as serious runners, track & field athletes, or just to stay in shape for another sport, our program provides them with the knowledge and builds a solid foundation for participation in spring sports or the Outdoor Track & Field season. They also experience personal growth as student athletes and learn valuable life lessons through our sport. We hope those personal records set have provided the team with rewarding experiences, and they will continue to build on those successes next year.“