Eight exceptional teenagers were honored by the Huntington girls’ spring track and field team on Senior Day at Blue Devil Stadium.
Nicole Abbondandelo, Nicole Arenth, Charlotte Brosoff, Niamh Condon, Alexandra McKenzie, Mardnie Mentor, Nicole Muszynski and Katie Seccafico were all recognized for their efforts and contributions to the program.
“Being on Huntington track has meant more to me than I could ever have imagined,” Abbondandelo said. “I have been lucky enough to be trained by dedicated coaches who have taught me what mental and physical toughness really is. Memories I have from Huntington track will always be with me and have set me up for a great future at Lehigh University.”
The Blue Devils edged Copiague by seven points in a hotly contested Senior Day meet, 77.5-70.5. McKenzie captured the pole vault by clearing 9-feet. Abbondandelo, Condon, Hadley Clayton and Keily Rivas streaked to victory in the 4x800m relay in a time of 10:27.00.
“After five years of being part of the Huntington track program it has definitely helped me grow as a person and an athlete,” McKenzie said. “Even though I will be continuing to pole vault and run at Ithaca College, the memories and teammates that I’ve made will be missed! This track team will always be a part of me. We have accomplished so much and have grown together. I can’t commend everyone enough for motivating and pushing me through each season. They are all amazing people and as the season comes to the end, I will be happy for the time I spent here, but sad that it is ending.”
Huntington has enjoyed much success in recent years, including winning league and county track and field championships.
“Being part of the track team has been a highlight at my time at Huntington,” Arenth said. “Not only has it been enjoyable to compete in races, but it’s also been amazing to have such a fun and supportive team and coaches. Most of all I appreciate that the team and coaches have helped motivate and push me to become a better athlete. I’m so thankful for all the opportunities that have been offered to me within this sport.”
The Blue Devils are coached by Mark Jackson and Eddie Santos. The team has been competitive for many years. Several of this year’s seniors will be joining recent alums currently in the college track ranks.
“I’ve loved all four years on track,” Seccafico said. “My coaches throughout the years have pushed me to be the best I️ could be and I️ will truly miss running for Huntington.”
The seniors were exceptional representatives of the Blue Devils during their careers. Some competed in winter track and still others were members of Huntington’s cross country team. Some intend to continuing competing on the college level.
“Being on the track team the past four years has definitely made my high school experience more memorable,” Mentor said. “Seeing new and old faces is something that I looked forward to at the start of the season and is something that I’m going to miss. As the years went on it was nice to know my performances gradually had a greater impact on the team. Leaving at the peak of my high school career isn’t ideal, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Colorful posters commemorating the careers of each of the seniors were affixed to the Blue Devil Stadium grandstand façade. The posters included photos of the seniors and heartfelt messages from underclassmen on the squad.
“Throughout my years of track I have made countless memories and created long lasting friendships,” Condon said. “I would have never thought of doing track until a past teammate encouraged me to join and I am beyond grateful for the experience. However, I could have not done it without the support of my teammates and my amazing coaches throughout the years. I will truly miss track in the future. I wish the best of luck to the underclassmen in the future.”
The seniors will all be going their separate ways following next month’s commencement exercises, but they will always be united as Blue Devil teammates.
“Being part of this team has definitely been one of the highlights of my high school career,” Muszynski said. “I’m especially going to miss the memories and bonds I’ve made with the girls and coaches.”
The Blue Devils will miss all seven seniors next spring. They were not only great competitors, but were all valuable teammates, according to the coaches.
“I just joined the track team as a senior, but it has been one of my favorite high school experiences,” Brosoff said. “Being able to run at the Penn Relays was an unforgettable feeling. I will miss track so much next year.”
