This spring’s J. Taylor Finley Middle School track and field team showcased some very talented seventh and eighth graders.
The 24 member team was captained by eighth grader Dana Saramago and coached by Flower Hill physical education teacher Timothy Madden and Huntington High School science teacher Sarah Hall.
Saramago and fellow eighth grader Emma Boyle and seventh graders Chelsea Drummings and Norah Moskowitz were the top athletes on the team.
“Dana Saramago is a great athlete who has a great work ethic,” Madden. “She excelled in the 55m hurdles with great technique. Emma Boyle works hard each and every day. She pushed herself and her teammates to better themselves at each practice.”
The top seventh graders earned praised, too. “Chelsea Drummings has improved tremendously over the course of the season,” Madden said. “Norah Moskowitz is a great runner. She worked very hard to improve her personal best time.”
Finley competed during meets with East Islip, Elwood, East Northport, Oldfield, Deer Park, Kings Park and West Babylon. Team scores aren’t kept on the middle school level, but individual events still play out.
“I am very proud of the overall team improvement from the start to the end of the season,” Madden said. “This team worked hard to improve their personal best times and scores.”
Practices were held after school on the Finley athletic field and in the gym. Home meets were contested at Blue Devil Stadium.
“This team came to practice with a positive attitude, which led to a great overall team experience,” Madden said. “Their hard work was evident on the days of our meets, which was a rewarding experience for all athletes.”
The roster included 16 seventh graders. “I expect this experienced team to make great strides next year,” Madden said.