One of the most unheralded, but successful, sports teams at West Essex is Winter Track. From shot put to the 4 by 400 meter relay, the team is very strong on all fronts.

On Jan.3, during the Essex County Relays, the girl 4 by 200 meter runners destroyed the winter track school record and almost beat the spring record by 0.18 seconds. Alexia Perez, Gabriela Karch, Hailey Blum and Reanda Richards are number one in their section and 13th in the state for the girls 4 by 400 meter relay.

“I love the team spirit and how we support each other in everything. It’s a close-knit family and it’s all so much fun,” Perez said.

The team overall has improved immensely from past years and hopes to win the state sectionals as a team. The boys team has experienced great success this season as well, breaking three school records already and running their way to unexpected new heights.

The 4 by 400 meter team in particular, led by juniors Liam Fost, Drew Lepre and Anthony Steets, as well as senior Isaiah Rodriguez, have noticeably improved.

“As a team, we are looking very strong compared to last year,” Steets said. “We have multiple runners and relays ranked very well in the state, and are running better times compared to last year.”

This season, the team has undergone a significant transformation.Many of the team’s leading runners are younger than usual, and long-time head coach and West Essex counselor Mr. Emering is no longer the head coach, allowing chemistry teacher Mr. Cullen to take the reins.

“My favorite part is seeing student athletes, regardless of ability level, discover they are able to do things they thought were previously unattainable,” Mr. Emering said. “Mr. Cullen has done a masterful job at organizing and prepping the team.”

While some track athletes originally join the team to stay in shape for other sports that they might play, many student-athletes consider track an essential sport that has shaped part of their identity. One of the major draws for athletes is the close-knit culture of the team.

“My favorite part about winter track is the family aspect. Many friendships can be created, and as the season goes on, everyone gets closer and closer,” Lepre said. “There is nothing that makes me run harder or faster than seeing and hearing my teammates cheering for me as I run down the last 100 meters of a 400 meter race.”

The winter track team is growing and the talent levels will only increase as more years pass. With different runners maturing and new freshmen joining, the track team has built itself to stay successful for years to come.