TBy Jack Hardy ’18

The Chaminade Winter Track Team began their season on a Monday afternoon in early November with high hopes for their upcoming season.  The Flyers had large shoes to fill after encountering success in the past few years, winning prestigious meets across the tri-state area.  This year, with some younger athletes stepping up, Chaminade was able to qualify for one of the most competitive meets the sport has to offer, the Milrose Games.

Members of the team battled for a spot on the 4×800 meter team, Chaminade’s most highly acclaimed relay team.  This relay team would go on to represent Chaminade at the Milrose Games.

Hosted by the Armory in New York City on Saturday, February 20, athletes from across the tri-state area came to compete at the meet.  High school athletes, as well as college level athletes and even professional athletes, assembled before the spectators that filled the entire venue.  Several athletes ran a mile in under four minutes, including Chaminade alumnus Tom Awad ’12, who now runs for the University of Pennsylvania.  He was able to run the mile in 3:57.03, the fastest time in Ivy League history.

Next up was Chaminade’s 4x800m team, which consisted of juniors Cameron Sherry, Christopher Loumeau, Chris Strezlinski, and senior Jack Rogers.  These four athletes were coached by Coach Kevin Beirne ’00 and Coach Brian Hayes ’99.  The runners trained a week after the rest of the team had ended their season at the City Championships and even trained over the entirety of February break.  

The sixteen lap race was lead off by Cam Sherry, who ran a personal best time of 2:01 for his half mile.  Sherry handed off to Strezlinski who also ran a personal best of 1:58.

Strezlinski then gave a textbook handoff to Loumeau, who brought the team from fifth place to third place.  Loumeau had a split of 2:01 and then gave the baton to the team’s anchor, Jack Rogers.  Rogers had a strong leg, running a split of 1:58, finishing the race for Chaminade in fourth place, just four seconds behind the winner.  The team ran 7:59, breaking eight minutes for the first time this season.  

“We are thrilled with how we  performed,” said Chris Loumeau.

The team’s strong performance allowed them to qualify for the New Balance Indoor Nationals, which will be held on Friday, March 11.  They are excited to see improvements during the spring season.

Congratulations to all who raced and good luck next season!