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Among the positive attributes that can be mentioned about Lower Cape May High School track and field captains Dakota Black and Tyler Pine are that they are continually look for ways to improve on a personal level, compete with sportsmanship and encourage their teammates to get better in their chosen events.
Both captains are members of the junior class.
“These two gentlemen exude positivity and integrity in all they do,’’ Lower Cape May head coach Syd Peterkin said. “They lead by example with hard work and the desire to improve every day. Both have developed into their roles as leaders as well as showing consistent improvement in their events. Both are good teachers, patient and positive with our young athletes as they pass on all of their experiences. Dakota has had an outstanding season in the 400 intermediate hurdles, the 110 high hurdles and the triple jump. Tyler has been our leader in the field events, placing in the shot, discus and the javelin.’’
Black began his track career at the age of 12. He saw the world class athletes competing on TV and wanted to challenge himself. He wants to witness more personal records from his teammates and for the Tigers to continue working together.
“l would like to see track and field get more recognition, many people just ignore it in favor of the other sports,’’ Black said. “I would like to get under 60 seconds in the 400 IH (accomplished on May 10) and jump 40 feet in the triple jump (also accomplished).”
“My mom, coach Peterkin, coach Demers and coach Pacevich, and former teammates Will Burger and Dominic Bowman [are positive influences on his athletic career].’’
Pine started in the sport just recently, at the age of 16. He was introduced by his peers and wanted to participate in another sport at Lower Cape May. He’d like to see the number of competitors in track and field grow.
“I would like to hit 40 feet consistently in the shot put and 110 in the discus,’’ Pine said. “I want to see everyone mature into men and achieve new personal records. Coach Peterkin and coach Demers have been great influences. They put being gentlemen before being athletes.’’
Coach Peterkin noted senior Darion Lamar as being another student-athlete who has a strong influence on this youthful team.
“The Tigers are a young team that are developing as a unit to improve each and every time they perform, we look forward to a bright future,’’ Peterkin said.
Lower Cape May is scheduled to compete in the NJSIAA Sectionals on May 24 and May 25 at Delsea High School in Franklinville.
