The girls track team has proven itself to be a promising and talented group this season. Coming off successful races at the Nassau Coaches Invitational and the Hispanic Games at the Armory, as well as a recent victory at the Conference 1 Championship meet, the girls hope to find even more success at the New Balance Games on Jan. 21.

“We split up into different groups based on what event we run,” said sophomore Ava Gellis. “It helps people improve and gain speed and endurance based on the distances they need to run in meets.”

Gellis has recently placed fourth out of 92 competitors in the 300 meter dash at the Nassau Coaches Invitational with an impressive time of 43.2 seconds.

“The training we do every day is the reason for our team’s success this season,” said Gellis.

Many of the girls on the winter track team take pride in how their hard work at practice has translated into victories in the races.

“Our successful races and fast times show that our hard work at practice pays off,” said sophomore Brittany Nahas.

The team’s success can be attributed to its combination of seasoned runners and new talent. Freshman Jasmine Kaypour is new to the team this year, but she has already found success in sprinting events. At the Hispanic Games, Kaypour ran the 55 meter dash with a time of 8.27 seconds. Based on her performance this season, Kaypour will have a bright future as a runner. Her time for the 55 meter dash was the fourth fastest time for a freshman in the varsity 55 meter dash.

Kaypour is among the many athletes that have been turning out great results for the team so far in the season. On Jan. 12, the team competed at St. Anthony’s High School in the Conference 1 Championship Meet, where they won with a 28.5 point lead, an incredible feat considering that they were just moved up to the top conference this season.

In the 3000 meter race, senior Maria Kogan came in second place, running a time of 11:01. In the same event, juniors Lucy Hurt and Emily Cavallaro secured fourth and sixth place, respectively.

In the field events, Port also turned out results on top of the leaderboards. In the high jump event, senior Anee Williams and junior Celia Christake posting some of the highest jumps in the event, with Christake securing second place and Williams taking third. Christake also took home fifth place in the triple jump event and fourth place in the long jump. Additionally, senior Athena Johnson came in third place in the shot put competition.

“I love cheering everyone on and helping anyone if they need it,” Jester said. “It’s really important to be a good teammate because it makes a good environment and everyone feels comfortable.”