Improvements were made on both an individual as well as a team wide scale for the Lower Cape May High School track and field program this past season. It speaks volumes about the dedication of both the student athletes on the roster and the coaching staff.
Syd Peterkin, the head coach for the Tigers, recalls some of the top level efforts put forth this spring.
“The most impressive performance our team had this year was at the Cape May County Championships,’’ Peterkin said. “Not only did we come away with County champions in the 400 hurdles, 400 dash and the triple jump, but all of our athletes achieved personal bests that day as well.’’
Dakota Black was among top shelf leaders for Lower Cape May this year.
“Dakota emerged as our leader this year with his work ethic and his continuing improvement in his events, 400 and 110 hurdles and the triple jump and long jump,’’ Peterkin said. “He was County champ in the 400 hurdles and the triple jump, was in the top 10 in the 400 and triple jump at the Cape Atlantic League (CAL) Championships and top 10 at (NJSIAA) Sectional Championships in the 110 and 400 hurdles and in the triple jump.’’
A number of student athletes demonstrated great strides in their chosen events throughout the 2019 season.
“Jesse Coombs, a freshman, showed consistent and continual progress all season long,’’ Peterkin said. “He improved his time in the 1,600 and the 3,200 each time he took the track, competing in both races each meet without fail.
“His hard work, willingness to learn and positivity provided him with the ability to constantly improve. Anthony Gentile and Elijah Jackson showed consistent progress this season as well, both posting several personal records throughout the entire season.’’
In dual meet competition, the Tigers had an overall record of 2-5. There is plenty of reason for optimism for Lower Cape May track and field for the 2020 season.
“The team is young, our captains, Dakota Black and Tyler Pine, will return next season along with our developing freshmen Jesse Coombs, Elijah Jackson and Anthony Gentile leading the way for the future,’’ Peterkin said.
“As coach I was very proud of the efforts of our team, we were small in numbers but our athletes developed as young men with commitment and integrity in every aspect of a student athlete.’’
