The spring season is underway, and MacArthur track and field has much to offer to Nassau County. The boys’ and girls’ team, under the supervision of Head Coach Jamie San Filippo and Assistant Coach Christa Imperiale, have a combination of both new and old athletes that will contribute to the outstanding progression of track and field in general.
On the boys’ side, the team is led by UConn-bound Captain Matthew Granata, a threat in any race from the 100 to the 800. In the winter season, he was unanimously voted as the most outstanding performer for Nassau County for his achievements in the 600 especially. As for his spring season, he opened with an impressive 1:57.9 in the 800 and will most likely secure top county rankings in several events.
Joining Granata, his top-ranked 4×1 and 4×4 relay teammates will help to give the team depth. Senior Dan Kubik, juniors Dan Archer and Mike Camacho, a 55-meter conference champion, and sophomore Erik Chevez, an All-Conference indoors athlete, have also opened up their season with respectable quarter-mile times and should leave a mark on the track.
On the distance side, look for senior Matt Rodney in his debut as a distance runner. Over the past few years, Rodney has shown his versatility, competing in field events such as shot put, discus, triple and long jump, high jump, and now he has entered the track circuit. He has opened his season up with a 2:06 in the 800 and a 4:40 in the 1600. With an incredible endurance, he will definitely open some eyes with his talent. Much of Nassau is familiar with Adam Rodney’s, Matt Rodney’s twin brother, performances, but due to an injury, A. Rodney will be cheering his brother on from the sidelines, giving his brother double the power, double the trouble for his competitors. In addition, keep an eye out for teammate senior Rob Gartner, a mile specialist, who opened his season with a 10:35 3200 and should look to make his mark in the four-lap debacle. Mike Hester will also add depth to the team, filling in spots for the 3200, 1600, and 800. Newcomer, freshman Yuri Triglia will also start to create a legacy at MacArthur.
As for the MacArthur girls’ team, they have come off an impressive winter season, easily winning the conference title over rival East Meadow by over 100 points. This year the girls look to master a new conference and continue to grow in numbers and in strength. The team is led by St. Peters-bound captain Gina Nocernio, who has battled a major injury over the winter season, and she has returned gloriously, opening her spring season with a 57.8 400 at last weekend’s MacArthur Invite. Her indoor All-Conference and National Qualifying teammates juniors Nicole Santinello and Maria Montefusco and Sophmores Jessica Race and Jessica Hirsch keep the middle-distance squad booming.
On the distance side, C.W. Post-bound senior Jenn Mclaughlin returns to defend her county title in the steeplechase. She will also be a threat in several distance races. She is backed by her two sisters, twin Sara Mclaughlin and sophmore Lindsey Mclaughlin, who both opened their outdoor season with PR’s in the 1500, 5:30 and 5:24, respectively. Courtney Livoti finishes up the distance core group, waiting for the perfect time to emerge to an elite level.
