This winter season, Wayne Valley’s athletes are breaking records and exceeding expectations. Recent media attention has brought their accomplishments to light and has shown what these incredible athletes are capable of doing. 

Girls swim placed top 25 in the state at the NJSIAA Girls Swimming Meet of Champions. Sophomore Sarah Rodrigues–who holds three school records in three different races–placed second in the 100 Meter Backstroke with a time of 53.53, breaking both the state record and her school record. She broke another one of her own school records with a time of 150.79 in the 200 Meter Freestyle and took home a third place medal. Rodrigues couldn’t do it alone, and she owes it all to her teammates who not only encourage her but each other. Rodrigues states, “Breaking records motivates me to improve my performance especially when I have all of my teammates cheering for me to do my best even on my worst days.” This past January, she was named TapIntoWayne’s January Athlete of the Month. 

At the NJSIAA Boys Swimming Meet of Champions, Wayne Valley’s Boys 200 Free Relay finished top 24 in the state with a time of 1:31.06. Senior Zak Li, juniors Jake Ryan and Matt Piacentini, and freshman Max Carter broke their previous school record. 

On Saturday, February 25, the Wayne Valley Competition Cheerleading team competed at the NJCDCA State Championship and took home first place to become the 2023 All Music Coed state champions. “Before the competition, we were all so motivated and full of determination,” senior Kayla Dudek remarks, “We wanted that title and to win state rings. We turned that dream of winning into a reality.” 

Seniors Sean Matthews, Christian Mercado, and Winston Calvo along with junior Ava Maher competed at the Winter Track State Group Meet. Calvo finished fourth in the shot put event with a season-best of 51’8.75”. Matthews finished 11th in the New Balance Nationals 3200m with a new school record timing of 9:37.03.

At the NJCDCA State Dance Championship, the Wayne Valley Dance Team took home the gold in varsity jazz to become state champions and placed second in varsity pom. “It was a great way to end our season,” senior Nikka Turro comments, “It made me so happy to know that during my senior year, our team made history for the Valley dance program.” 

We congratulate these athletes on their outstanding performances and look forward to what they will achieve in the future!