Seniors Danny Haddad, Aidan Magno, Mathew McDowell, and Junior Aidan Barkley made history this year in Winter track.  These 4 athletes achieved what they almost did last year, breaking the school record in the 4×800 with a time of 8:20.  Aidan Magno states that he is “…really happy with the results and is hoping to expand on it in the spring.”  These four runners haven’t only just broken the school record, they have gotten many personal awards for their outstanding performances throughout their time here at Wayne Valley.

First up is senior Danny Haddad.  Haddad has been a very impactful runner throughout his 4 years at Wayne Valley.  He got four 1st team all county awards, Athlete of the Month, and many other achievements.  In the Fall, Danny Haddad was also the only member of the Cross Country team to qualify for groups at Holmdel Park.  Haddad in the Winter and Spring does mid distance sprints as well as long distance running.  The ability to do both types of running so well is outstanding.  As Danny Haddad’s last season approaches, he wants to lift, help run captain practices, and go on runs before Spring Track begins.   Danny Haddad says his personal goal for the Spring is to “get under 4:25 in the 1600.”  Additionally, he wants to qualify all the way through states and end his last year strong.

Next is senior Mathew McDowell.  This athlete also does all three seasons of running.  First, in the Fall he is a Varsity Cross Country runner that earned Honorable mention all county and won the Jv championship in 2023.  Once Fall ends,  McDowell is able to switch and to be an amazing sprinter for Track.  His speedy sprinting allowed McDowell to go to Penn Relays and medal!  Additionally, he got First Team All County and First Team All Conference twice for Track.  McDowell is sad that his last season is approaching but is proud of what he has accomplished.  His goal for this season is to get sub 2:00 in the 800 and place 1st in most dual meets.

Next up is the rising Junior Aidan Barkley.  Barkley has achieved so much and still has a year left to go!  In the Fall, Barkley made the switch from JV to a Varsity runner and he definitely rose to the challenge.  He got the award Honorable Mention all County.  Barkley also does Winter/Spring Track as a mid distance sprinter and a long distance runner.  As the spring track season approaches, he hopes to beat his 4:56 1600 and get a time of 4:50.  Junior Aidan Barkley is only at the start of his running career with a great future ahead of him!

Last but certainly not least is Senior Aidan Magno.  Magno came into the Wayne Valley program strong and immediately showed his talent.  Freshman year he got 1st place in a couple Freshman Cross Country Races and got many medals.  But Magno is not just a distance runner, like Mcdowell he is a sprinter in Track with his main events being the 400 and the 800.  Magnos’ talent only grew throughout his years as he was awarded 1st team all country for both Track and Cross Country Junior year.  This Year, Magno’s quickness in the 400 led him to being one of the only individuals on the Winter track team to Qualify in Sectionals!  Magno’s winter track season has gone exceptionally well and he hopes to bring the same speed and intensity this Spring.  Magno hopes to finish off his senior year by breaking the school record of 49.95 in the 400.  He has already broken one record, why can’t Magno break two!  

All in all, ending Winter Track at such a high makes Spring Track more exciting, but also nerve racking for these four runners.  But I think they’re ready for the challenge!