Notre Dame Academy sports teams are known to be hardworking and successful, so it comes as no surprise that this year's track program, under the coaching of Mr. John Nowak, is as successful as ever.

"I don't remember ever having a more consistent team; they all do what they're supposed to do and train hard at practice. They're as good of a team as I've ever had. I think our only weakness is our injuries. We haven't run with our full team yet; a lot of kids are just a little nicked up," Mr. Nowak said.

Ben Harpt, sophomore, and Laura Carlson, senior, recently set records at the last meet against Luxemburg-Casco. Harpt set a 100 m track record of 11.00 seconds and Carlson set a high jump track record of 5'2”.

"One of most impressive meets was against Luxemburg-Casco because we were down seven guys and nine girls. The boys still took 3rd place and the girls still took 2nd place even without some key performers," Mr. Nowak said.

Nowak also added that NDA has taken second in almost all of the other big city track meets which included tough opponents such as Preble and Bayport High Schools.

Looking ahead to the state tournament, Nowak said that he would be disappointed if the girls sprint relay did not run well, and individually, Malorri Walczyk and Alex Miller both have a shot at placing very high in their performances.

“I really hope we win state.  I think we have the potential to do so, especially since we have great seniors this year to lead us. Our relay teams are also really strong, so I think they will most likely go far,” said Melaina Rapisarda, a freshman varsity participant.

Rapisarda was on the 800 meter relay team that won first place at the Luxemburg-Casco meet along with her older sister, junior Sabrina Rapisarda, junior Anika Johnson and senior Christina Stevenson.

Rapisarda added, “Track so far has been one of the toughest yet rewarding experiences I've had at NDA. Track practices are killer, and sometimes it's hard to get myself to run, but one of my favorite parts about track is the meets. After working hard at practice, it's a good feeling to be able to do well at a meet. Besides that, the best thing about track is the team. I thought track would be more of an individual sport; I was wrong. You work together as a team just as you do in any other sport.”

"Some of our best events for the girls would be anything from the 400 meter and down, especially Malorri Walczyk who is having a big year. Also, our field events are impressive, with the help of Anika Johnson and Eliza Campbell at the jumps. A group of middle distance freshman girls are surprising people too,” Mr. Nowak said.

Sophomore Malorri Walczyk also has high hopes for the upcoming state tournament.

“I think we have a really good group of people this year and definitely a lot of potential. Everyone really gives it their all. As for the state tournament, I think it’s looking really promising. The teams I ran with last year in the relays at state are, in my opinion, really improving,” said Walczyk. She is currently third in the state for the 400 meter run.

Mr. Nowak also commented on the boys."Eric Robinson in distance and Alex Miller in sprints really jump out for me. They've been having a good year too," he said.

Abby Tristani, also a freshman running varsity, participates in the triple and high jump and  runs sprints or the 400 meter race.

"I always puke after I finish the 400 m and I know that if I don't, it means that I didn't give it everything I had. At least that's my philosophy anyway," Tristani said.

Hopefully, Notre Dame Academy will test their strength on June 1^st and 2^nd at the WIAA State Tournament track meet.