On Sunday afternoon June 6, seven New Jersey and New York yeshivot gathered to compete in the varsity track and field championship meet. The event took place in Passaic at the Boverini Stadium. Participating schools included: Frisch, The Idea School, Kushner, Ma’ayanot, Ramaz, SAR and TABC.

With over 80 runners from the different schools in attendance, the competition was fierce. Races included the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 meter dashes. For the first time all year, runners were also able to participate in a 4×100 meter relay.

Frisch captain Jacob Nussbaum stated, “I’ve been a member of the Frisch Cross Country and Track Team for four years, and I’ve been captain for the last two years. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed training both myself and my teammates day and night to improve our speed and endurance, as well as getting to know my coach and teammates and creating a tight-knit family of passionate runners. Our frequent wins are nice, but they are really just icing on the cake. I have always lived by the doctrine that the hard work itself is the reward. We had an incredible final meet and I’m going to miss this team so much. I can’t wait to take the skills I’ve gathered over the last four years to college and beyond!”

Rising star Frisch freshman Samantha Pruzansky, who won first place in the 100, 800 and 1600 meter dashes stated, “It has been a hard year in athletics with most things getting canceled because of COVID. Track has been one of the only sports that we have been able to have consistent practices and competitions this entire year. I was proud and excited to represent my school during this event.”

It was a fun and rewarding season for all the runners who got to know each other throughout the season. The coaches were excited to have the event take place at such a beautiful stadium and enjoyed many spectators who came to watch the competition. Even in the 93 degree heat, runners gave it their all. A special thanks to Eli Novick for cleaning up the field!

By Jeffrey Ruttner