The Greyducks’ Quest to Borough Championships

Perseverance in the face of adversity is the defining factor in sports that makes or breaks a team. There is no better example than the girls’ indoor track and field team, the Greyducks, as the team overcame many trials during its quest to the Manhattan Borough Championships.

The team had high expectations this season, especially after coming off an incredible victory at the Manhattan Borough Championships last indoor season. Much of the previous season’s success, however, was partly due to a very strong senior class that has now graduated. As a result, the Greyducks began the season with many gaping holes in the sprint, field, and racewalking events. To combat this deficit, the Greyducks recruited many promising underclassmen. Many team members also tried out new events to add depth and versatility to the team.

One notable moment of perseverance occurred during a practice at McCarren Park, where the team frequently trains. A sudden snow storm struck the girls in the middle of their workout, covering the entire track in snow. This didn’t deter the team in the slightest; they surged through the storm to finish the workout despite the slippery and non-ideal conditions. “It showed the huge amount of guts and comradery our team has,” senior and co-captain Liza Reizis said.

The Greyducks placed second behind Hunter College High School at the Manhattan Boroughs Championships. Though the members were disappointed by their inability to repeat last season’s success, they took it as a moment to learn from their mistakes and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses.

The underclassmen performed extremely well, scoring major points for the Greyducks. Freshman Bella Stenhouse has proved to be a powerful weapon for the Greyducks all season long, as she won the 1500-meter run, 3,000-meter run, and 4 x 800-meter relay, impressively becoming a triple borough champion. Stenhouse has even qualified for the prestigious New Balance Nationals. “We can't wait to see all the amazing things she will continue to accomplish these next [few] years,” Reizis said. Junior Julianne Yotov placed third in the 1500-meter run, second in the 3000-meter run, and won the 4 x 800-meter relay. Additionally, sophomore Zuzi Liu led the team in sprint and field events, as she won the triple jump, placed third in the 55-meter dash, and sixth in the 4 x 200-meter relay.

Many other Greyducks also stepped up to the plate by delivering unexpectedly impressive performances despite not having ample practice. For example, freshman Erica Li placed fourth in racewalking. Freshman Nicole Liu also placed sixth in the 600-meter run.

It was also a great day for the Greyducks’ top three relays, as all three scored points for the team. The 4x200-relay, consisting of senior and co-captain Cheryl Nnadi, junior Margaret Woo, junior Caroline Ji, and Zuzi Liu placed sixth. The 4x400-meter relay, consisting of sophomore Susan Zheng, Ji, junior Jessica Kwok, and senior and co-captain Ester Suleymanov placed third. The 4x800-meter relay, consisting of Kwok, Stenhouse, Yotov, and Suleymanov, won the event, qualifying for the PSAL City Championships.

While the Greyducks still have a long way to go, the team hopes to build on its promising athletes and regain the top spot as Manhattan Borough Champions. According to junior Chloe Terestchenko, “The team hopes to get first at boroughs next year.”