On April 29, 2024, Becton’s Boys Track & Field won 2nd place in the NJIC National Division Meet that took place at Emerson High School. This is the first time Becton Boys Track takes a winning title since 1995!

Coach Quinn Geraghty explains, “The Dual Meet season is when we face up against either one or two teams in our division. Those meets are counted as equal in weight with the Division Championship meet. We went undefeated in our dual meets, and came up just short to Rutherford at the Championship Meet. That is why we tied for the Division Championship!” 

Coaches Jason Babbini and Thomas McGuire also expressed their gratefulness. Coach McGuire praises the athletes, “I think anytime that you can win a championship you are going to feel a sense of satisfaction, but mainly I’m happy for the kids that put in the hard work and time. They are now able to officially call themselves champions.”

Coach Babbini emphasized a similar statement, “I am thrilled with our student athletes’ performance and the hard work they’ve put into this season. Their positive attitudes during practices and meets have been key to their successes. They strike a great balance between having fun and putting in the work. The team’s cohesive environment has boosted their confidence, especially in big meets like Leagues.”

The reception from our runners was that of happiness and fulfillment. As Daniel Chung puts it, “Winning 2nd is not really a meaning, but more of a feeling that is probably felt by all the athletes that competed. It’s a feeling of pride and accomplishment, that all of the athletes worked so hard and finally got the fruits of their labor.”

Many runners reflect these words, as Jasdeep Nagra also shares, “It meant a lot because I was able to have an impact and contribute to the podium finish.” Simiarly, Christopher Zawadzki described the experience as “rewarding,” explaining, “I am happy with the progress I made in my junior and senior years.”

Here are a few of the star-runners and how they performed at the meet:

Chris Zawadzki – Thrower, took 2nd place in the shot put and disc

Max Thorn – Distance runner, was the Division Champ in the 1600m, took 2nd in the 800m and won the 3200m

Daniel Chung – Pole Vaulter and Hurdler, was Division Champ in the Pole Vault

Jasdeep Nagra – Scored in 4 events with 110 hurdles, 400 Hurdles and both Long Jump and Triple Jump

“The NJIC Division Championship Meet was probably my best performance yet. That is where I hit my best PR for my event, which will always hold a core memory in me,” Chung declares, and Zawadzki similarly attests, “I think my best performance of the track season would have to be at the NJIC Divisional Championship. I had personal bests in both Shot Put and Discus for the meets I have been to, so being able to contribute points to our victory was satisfying and especially rewarding after we won.”

Nagra feels that his best performance was at the NJIC League Meet, where he “was able to medal in Triple Jump, 110 Hurdles, and 400 Hurdles. I was also able to place in the top 7 for all four events that I did.”

Coach Babbini breaks down the preparation and conditioning that occurs for the Spring Track & Field season, explaining that it depends highly on the weather: “In Winter Track, we focus on getting our athletes in shape, building strength in the weight room and working on event-specific techniques.” Coach Geraghty elaborates a bit more, “We follow a similar format/program to Winter Track that focuses on form, technique, strength and aerobic and anaerobic stamina.”

With all of this rigorous training comes the fun, grueling and sappy moments. Many students express their gratitude towards the coaches. “I appreciate them for teaching me everything that I have learned and helping me be the best track athlete that I can be. Their encouragement and support has played a big part in my success on the track,” Nagra offered, and many of his teammates mirror the sentiments. 

Chung praises, “Whenever I think of the model coach, Babbini always comes to mind… He’s a great coach who has it all: An encouraging mindset, fantastic skills, good communication to all athletes, etc,” he explains, going on to say on behalf of Coach Geraghty, “He always has a great attitude and lifts up the mood of anyone. He is firm in his ways and believes that every athlete can succeed.” 

“I would like to say thank you to all my coaches, especially my head coach, Coach Geraghty, and my throws coach, Coach McGuire,” Zawadzki starts, “They both have had a big impact on my progress through their dedication to the sport. There are a lot of different events that have to be addressed at practice, so it is very impressive how they are both able to manage their time well and help all of us, which was proven when we were able to win our league.”

Coach Babbini closes with, “The future plan for both the Boys’ and Girls’ Track & Field is to continue learning and improving. We will continue to make adjustments from each practice, meet and season, aiming to do better each time. The coaching staff is committed to giving our best for our athletes, and we’re excited about the potential of our student athletes and the program as a whole.” 

Keep running the world of Track & Field! Go Wildcats!