By Melanie Cane

On April 17, the first day back from spring break for the Garnets and the end of a long weekend for Rye Country Day School, the track teams from both schools competed in a dual meet at Rye High that also included Eastchester and Pelham.

For all of the athletes, this was either their first meet of the season or their first meet since late March, when they competed in cold, windy, and rainy conditions at the Ossining relays.

Garnets Natalie Weiner and Anders Jensen won the 800 meter races; Weiner in a time of 2:20.1, Jensen 2:08.1. Senior captain Mark Willis won the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 60.2, and Willis and Anders teamed with Ben Johnson and Jake Katsikas to win the 4 X 400 meter relay in 3:41.2.

Coach James Yedowitz thought it was strange to have the meet on their first day back from spring break, but he was pleased with the athletes’ performances. Willis said the meet was a great kickoff for the season. “A lot of the athletes made personal bests which is a good sign for things to come.”

The Wildcat boys had a strong showing. Senior co-captain Evander Jackson won the 110 high hurdles. Obosa Ogbeide won the high jump with a leap of 6 feet. Hannes Boehning and Shams Elbardissy finished in first and second place in the shot put and discus. The 4×100 team of senior co-captains Jared Jones and Jackson, sophomore Cameron Coleman, and freshman Cullen Coleman won with a time of 44.6.

Coach Charles Ogbonna said, “I got a good vibe from the kids. They did pretty well. They are getting into good form for the rest of the season.”

The Rye Country Day Girls team, which is comprised of young athletes, also performed well. Alana Jones won the 200 meter race and Ariane Voulgaris placed second. Maddie Zuber earned second place in both the 100 and 400 meter hurdles. Drew Kesselmark placed third in both hurdle events. Coach Madge Anderson expects the girls to continue at this pace the rest of the season.

hurdles winner Evander Jackson on right, Matt Moline middle, Obosa Ogbeide

Garnet Mark Willis winning the 400 meter hurdles

Rye High’s Anders Jensen won the 800 meter, ahead of Alec Radke