The Livingston High School girls’ indoor track and field team has opened its season on a high note, with recordbreaking performances in the Essex County Relay championship.“The work ethic of the team has been on display since the season began,” noted coach Dave Czeizinger. “Outdoor workouts had instilled focus and confidence as they grew stronger and prepared for competition. An early season outdoor event was up first, giving many athletes a taste of track for the first time, and others a chance to step back on a track and renew that fire of competition.”On Tuesday, December 28, the team participated in the Coach Glynn Holiday Carnival and on Thursday, December 30, in the Essex County Relay championship. Both events were held at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island, one of the premier indoor tracks in the nation. These events marked the Lancers’ first appearance in Ocean Breeze since 2019.Coach Glynn CarnivalThe Coach Glynn meet had events for all levels, including varsity, novice, and freshman, and LHS was represented in all three. “It was a successful outing as many medals were taken home that day,” said coach Czeizinger. “There was also an opportunity to run some of the uncommon distances on the track, such as the 600 meter and 1,000 meter races.”Lancer Sophia Yan competed in a limited field in the 3,200 meter. In her first ever track race, she held her own and finished ninth among a highly talented field that included Meet of Champion participants.The 600 meter race, which instilled “great anticipation for the coaching staff,” said Czeizinger, was run by Livingston’s Kylie Prendergast. “This also was a packed field with some of the top mid-distance runners in New Jersey,” recounted the coach. “She went out conservatively per plan over the first lap and a half, and then started her build-up. She passed a few runners and was in third with about 200 meters to go. She moved to second about 80 meters from the finish, and then rocketed past second with about 50 meters left. It was then a dead sprint to the finish as she out-kicked the last opponent to win in 1:41.95.”Czeizinger continued, “As the three Ramapo runners lay gasping on the floor, Prendergast was informed that she had just knocked off an 18-year-old school record and run a New Jersey #1 time this season. It was an impressive performance!”Also competing well and earning ...
