The Edison High School boys track and field team participated in their first invitational of the season, placing first with 52 points. The meet featured exceptional performances by several athletes.
Samad Paige ‘27 placed 4th in the 300-meter dash, breaking the 300-meter school record in his debut race with an impressive 37.5 seconds.
“The part that stood out the most was right before the race started, waiting for the start gun or a baton, and staying calm is something I think my whole team has become comfortable with,” said Paige.
Having transferred to Edison High School this year, Paige feels excited to continue his season on the track team.
“During the race, I personally don’t feel anything except determination and maybe a little fear of letting down my coach and my teammates. I felt really excited and a little scared waiting for the baton,” said Paige.
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Following numerous performances in a variety of competitive events, Edison athletes take a few minutes rest and recuperate.
JESSICA YUAN '27
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Samad Paige ’27 receives a medal and plaque for his performance in the 300-meter dash, placing fourth.
JESSICA YUAN '27
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Kwadwo Boateng ’27 prepares to compete in triple-jump finals, later winning the event and breaking his own triple jump school record at a height of 44 feet.
JESSICA YUAN '27
There were also many other impressive running performances. Bryce Hickerson ‘26 placed second in the 600-meter run with a time of 1:27.78 minutes. Despite his performance, Hickerson continues to strive to improve himself.
“My own races weren’t up to my expectations, so I don’t have much positive stuff to say about those. I felt excited prior to the race, but pretty disappointed in my performance afterwards,” he said.
In the 1000-meter run, Joaquin Sanchez ‘26 ran a time of 2:52.70 minutes, placing eighth overall. The 3000-meter run featured several performances, with Matteo Pittenger ‘26 placing seventh and Kartheek Guddanti ‘29 placing ninth. The 4×400-meter team also performed well, placing third overall.
In the field events, Kwadwo Boateng ‘27 broke his own triple jump school record with a jump of 44 feet, winning the event. In addition, he placed third in the 55-meter hurdles and second in the high jump finals, along with Jah’mir Mosley ‘27, who placed fourth in the high jump finals. Boateng was excited at the results of his performance.
“What stood out to me the most is how my off-season training has paid off,” said Boateng. “The support of my coaches and teammates helps me progress and motivates me to do better. I feel excited and hyped up during and before races. Every race is a chance to PR or win, so I’m always excited for it and feel no pressure.”
In the pole vault finals, Adam Spelda ‘27 and Michael Swen ‘27 both performed well, placing first and fourth, respectively.
The boys track team’s win at the Demarest Invitational starts their season off on a positive note. The members hope to continue to perform well in their meets.
“I am very optimistic and excited to see what else my team and I can accomplish,” said Paige.
