IRVINGTON, NJ — The Irvington High School boys and girls indoor track and field teams have high hopes this winter.
Under head coach Marvin Hawkins, the teams feature talented athletes.
The boys team has high expectations, according to Hawkins. They will be led by a good returning nucleus from last spring’s Super Essex Conference championship team, featuring seniors Dwight Henry (55-meter hurdle conference, county and sectional champion), Jared Manifold (sprints and middle distance), Teon Dundas (sprints, jumps and hurdles) and Destin Pierre (shot put), junior Matthias Litus (sprints, jumps and hurdles) and sophomore Casieve Blaire (sprints).
Senior newcomer Justice Calloway, who ran track for Newark Collegiate, brings speed (6.82 in the 55-meter dash) and is a welcome addition, said Hawkins.
The distance team is talented as well, led by senior Casey Ogega and junior Daveon Wearing-Poindexter, who performed well during cross-country season with Hawkins at the helm.
“With this collection of talent, we should be able to compete with the best in the state!” Hawkins said.
The girls team is rebuilding, but will be competitive in the SEC-American Division, Hawkins said. The SEC-American is the top division in the conference.
They will be led by seniors Taliyah Hayes (hurdles, jumps, throws and middle distance), Neissa Villius (hurdles, jumps and sprints), Cathiana Jean (middle distance), Laila Anane (distance) and Carmen Peralta (distance) and a core of sophomores who should contribute, led by Azariah Battle (shot put), Michedanette Milford (shot put), Zaaniyah Anderson (shot put), Nalanie Clement (middle distance and hurdles), Shanelle Vilson (sprints), Irulana Nichols (middle distance and hurdles) and Vergonia Jean-Baptiste (middle distance and hurdles).
Schedule
Dec. 20, Essex County Coaches Invitational, at Ocean Breeze Complex, Staten Island, N.Y.
Dec. 23, Super Essex Conference Championships, at Ocean Breeze Complex
Dec. 30, Len Pietrewicz Invitational, at New York City Armory Center
Jan. 12, Essex County Relays, at Ocean Breeze Complex
Jan. 18, State Relays, at Bennett Athletic Center, Toms River
Feb. 14, State Sectionals, at Bennett Athletic Center
Feb. 19, Essex County Championships, at Ocean Breeze Complex
Feb. 29, State Group Championships, at Bennett Athletic Center
March 8, State Meet of Champions, at Bennett Athletic Center
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