Josh Watkins Paces Finley Boys’ Track
When Tim Madden sits on his favorite beach this summer it wouldn’t be surprising if the J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys’ track and field coach let’s his mind drift back to this spring’s gifted team and a smile comes across his face.
“This team worked hard, improved daily and had a lot of fun,” Madden said. The 31 athletes on the roster had every event covered. Finley was a legitimate powerhouse and the Falcons enjoyed knowing they were a very good squad.
Eighth grader Josh Watkins (100m, 200m, high jump) led the team. “Josh was our top athletes,” said Madden, who was assisted by Mike Marinello. “He has great speed and is a great jumper.” Watkins and seventh grade teammate Joe Saginaw captained Finley.
The Falcons also received stand-out performances from Alex Alvarenga (800m, 1500m), Y’majesty Allen (hurdles, 200m, long jump), Kyle Davis (55m, 100m, long jump), Matteo McNeil (shot put, discus) and Giancarlos Puello (55m, 400m).
“Alex Alvarenga was brand new to the sport, but he excelled,” Madden said. “He was our top distance runner.” Davis was among a small group of exceptionally fast Finley sprinters. McNeil saw rapid improvement during the season, quickly learning the ins-and-outs of the shot put and discus events and then placing first in nearly every meet on the schedule.
The Falcons featured a nice mix of seventh and eighth graders and plenty of energy and enthusiasm. “Our best team accomplishment was seeing everyone improve each practice and consistently break their personal best times, heights and distances,” Madden said.
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