As the weather begins to turn, it means one thing: the return of the Spring Track team. Every year, the Spring Track team takes the crown for the most successful team at the school. Records are broken, championships are won, and athletes are sent to compete at the national level. This season is sure to bring even more memorable moments, records, and championships.
The Rams are led by Senior Declan Kelly. The four-year varsity runner is a leader on and off the track. Kelly is primed for a top finish in the county 1600m race. The captain will also contribute to the talented 4x800m squad. Junior, James Nolan, is also a key piece for the Rams. The junior finished top 3 in the county this past winter in the 800m race. Nolan is known to run his best times come the spring championship season. Look for Nolan to place highly at the conference, county, and state championship races. It is also important to mention Junior, Connor Bassalino. Connor is coming off an impressive Junior year winter track campaign, highlighted by dropping 11 seconds in his 1600m time. Not only is Connor a threat in the 1600m, but his 3200M time is a school record. Look for Bassalino to place highly at every single meet.
Seniors Charlie Spiegle, Aidan O’Dowd, and Zade Nassoura look to lead a talented sprinting squad to unprecedented levels of success. Coming off an Indoor SMR State Championship, these guys are poised to win even more this spring. Look for Spiegle to compete at a high level in the 55M hurdles and the 200m dash. Another valuable sprinter that must be mentioned is Junior, Brody Sheehan. After posting an impressive 6.84 in the 55M dash, Sheehan looks to become one of the best outdoor sprinters in the county. Also, watch out for Sheehan in the 200M dash, as his performance in the Indoor State Championship allowed the Rams to secure to SMR state title.
It is important to note that Coach Kenny Vaughn will not be leading the throwers this Spring. His 18 years at Oratory were remarkable, highlighted by countless conference, county, and state champions. Coach Vaughn will truly be missed, and we wish him the best. Replacing Coach Vaughn is Coach Jordan West. Coach West boasts an impressive resume, highlighted by his time throwing at the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas. Coach West is sure to lead guys like James Martin and Joey DeMarco to even more success.
Once again, the Track & Field team has had high expectations placed on their backs. However, this is an experienced squad. Look for the Rams to win another Conference Championship and compete for a national title in June. This is sure to be one of the best squads in OP history.
