Raiders Spring Track Team Hits the Ground Running

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High track and field team has always set the bar high for their achievements, and this year is no different. The girls team is looking to repeat their undefeated dual meet and Watchung Conference Championship season from last year, while the boys are also looking to defend their Watchung Conference Championship.

"Last year, both the boys and the girls won the conference championship, but that was without scoring any points in any sprinting events," said coach Jeffrey Koegel.  "That's a place where we are looking to improve."

Lamar Parkes can help the team accomplish this goal. He was the Union County champion this winter in the 55 high hurdles and is looking to repeat this feat in the 110 high hurdles in the spring.

The team is also looking for big performances from distance runners Brandon Wheeler and Alex Parker, who both broke 10 minutes in the 3200 during the winter season.

On the girls side is senior thrower Kim Wenson, who was the Union County champion in the shotput this winter.

"We have some fresh talent and some returning competitors that need to be the foundation for the team," she said. "As long as we perform our best and work our hardest we should be able to have a good season."

Adding to the mix is senior Sarah Canfield and junior Camille Handy, who are working to improve their triple jump, high jump and long jump.

"We had a rough time in our dual meets last year with the boys, and that is certainly an area where we need to improve," Koegel said. "We went many years without losing a dual meet with the boys, and that was something that people on the team took pride in. We have to make sure that the people on our team develop that mindset, that we have a tradition to uphold."

With lofty goals and expectations, look forward to a strong season for the spring track team.