The winter track program is poised for yet another record breaking season at Cinnaminson High School. Here is our 2016-2017 preview.
After a very successful 2015-2016 indoor season, the Pirates will look once again to break school records in various events throughout the winter.
“We tell the kids to use the opportunity they have to get better,” head coach Charlie Kind said. “We tell them to watch the upperclassmen. Look at the seniors. They are the ones who’ve been here. They know what it takes.”
“Mike Ungvarsky just runs with ice in his veins,” Kind said. “He’s just a competitor. If everyone takes what he does, then the sky’s the limit. Look at someone like Prisca Blamon. She works so hard and she’s such a good athlete.”
The Pirates open their schedule this afternoon at the SJTCA Meet at the Bennett Center in Toms River. The meet gets underway at 5pm.
“Before the cold and the snow comes, the kids need to take advantage of their opportunities and get outside to put in the work,” Kind said. “When the cold and snow comes, we have to utilize the gym and the hallways.”
Throughout the season the Pirates will travel to Ocean Breeze, the NYC Armory twice and the Bennett Center multiple times for various meets.
Haley Adams and Madison Edwards will help anchor the distance races on the girl’s side of the program.
Andrea Benites returns on the track.
“We’re going to have some really strong relays with the girls,” Kind said. “Prisca in the shot put. She’s tied for the school record right now. She will eclipse that soon. She’ll have a chance at a sectional crown.”
Taylor Clark is back at the pole vault for Cinnaminson. Christian Neuman and Pat Bearint both return on the boy’s side for pole vault.
“Taylor broke the school record in the pole vault outdoors last spring,” Kind said. “All three will do great things in pole vault this winter.”
The strength of the boy’s side will be distance, which will face some of the toughest competition in South Jersey.
“They will see Haddonfield, Willingboro, Deptford, Delsea and it can be very humbling,” Kind said. “It’s a good test for them.”
“The tough winter schedule is immeasurable when the spring comes around because of the confidence that they gain from it.”
The girls will get the chance to run against Olympian Sydney McLaughlin, who runs for Union Catholic.
“When you get chances to go against these people, they realize that they can compete with them. The confidence they gain from winter track is immeasurable.”
The shot put and discus should also make waves during the winter season.
“Without putting much pressure on them, Kamron (Kobolak) and Prisca, I’d be disappointed if they each didn’t win sectional championships,” Kind said.
“They are going to have to battle in the state. Group 2 is so loaded. There’s depth. Frankie Stepnowski throws 45. Elena Keck is young and works hard in the weight room.”
Kind said that the program has been working hard in the weight room during the offseason preparing for a long winter season.
“Our field events are phenomenal. We have really good high jumpers and pole vaulters. We have good shot putters. We are going to be really good in distance.”
“Can we do something in sprints? That’s going to be the challenge for us if we want to be a sectional or state championship type of team.”
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