Brian Quintanilla races to the finish line during an indoor track meet. Photo by Mr. Grant.

By Brandon Garcia and Adrian Serrano

After having an amazing Cross Country season the distance track runners are striving for more success. They had a rocky start in 2016 and they are ready to start off 2017 with a better record.

Captain Joel Garcia shared his opinion on what track actually means to him “Track to me means everything, it’s the place where I can be in my own world, I can go as far as my body will let me. I’ve struggled through many hard times, and running, whether it be track or cross country has saved me from going down the wrong path. I’ve grown up in the track and it’s taught me so much about how to approach life when times get tough.”

To many, track seems like it’s all about running. Of course track is a sport of running, but to the runners, this is their lifestyle. To many, track isn’t just a sport, but it is a way to escape everyday struggles. Students turn to running when their life becomes tough and they need to clear up their minds. For them, track isn’t all about the medals and trophies, but the hard work they are putting into and the mental toughness to be able to run.

With this positive mentality, the Winter Track Team is ready to begin 2017 on the right foot and is prepared to do everything in their power to put Passaic High School on the map!

Many great runners, such as the most experienced distance runner in the team Joel Garcia and the newest young prospect Luis Peralta, lead the team. Joel Garcia became up League Champion last year for the two mile all county all around and Luis Peralta in the 400m Dash.

In the Big North Championships, Joel Garcia placed second in the 3200. In the 4×800 relay, Leo Bravo, Darshak Rana, Brayan Olivares, and Jerry Olvera placed second. Brian Quintanilla placed fourth in the 400 race. Leo Bravo placed fifth in the 1600 race and Jerry Olvera placed sixth in the same race. In the 4×400 relay, Brian Quintanilla, Darshak Rana, Brayan Olivares, and Carlos Pichardo placed fifth.

The team also had the chance to compete in the Passaic County Championships. Leo Bravo placed sixth in the 1600. In the 3200, Jerry Olvera placed third and Joel Garcia placed fourth. Luis Peralta won a gold in the 400 and set a Passaic High School indoor school record. His time of 50.23 puts him seventh on the Passaic County All-Time indoor track list.

Luis Peralta placed second in the 400 at the State Sectionals. He ran in the State Group Championships on Friday, Feb. 17.