Track Season in Review: Bridgemen and Lady Bridgemen Exceed Expectations

The Bridgemen and Lady Bridgemen track teams enjoyed much success this season and exceeded expectations.

On the boys side, head Coach Ed Garrison was pleased with how the spring track season went.

“This was one of the best team finishes for a Fort Lee Boys Track Team in quite a few years," Garrison said. "The best news is that there were no seniors on this year’s team, and the boy’s track team is certainly looking to win the first Outdoor Conference Championship in over 10 years next outdoor season.”

The team finished in second place in the Big North Division 7 American Conference and finished with a dual meet record of 3-2. The team had many standout performers.

Junior Jenya Dyagilev received second team honors for the 400 meter hurdles, while sophomore Masaru Yamaguchi and junior Frankie Goris received second team honors for the 100 meter dash. Junior “YuYu” Fahmy had a standout season and received second team honors for the 1600 meter run, while sophomore Sam Topaz earned second team honors for the Triple Jump. Freshman Chris Ashman received Honorable Mention for finishing fourth in the 100 meter dash.

Ed Garrison was proud of his whole team and was extremely proud when they accomplished all of the things that they did.

“Perhaps the best honors came when five athletes were selected to compete in the prestigious Bergen County Meet of Champions which brings together the best-of-the-best in Bergen County each year," he said. "Jenya Dyagilev ran the 400 meter hurdles; Frankie Goris and Masaru Yamaguchi competed in the 200 meter dash; YuYu Fahmy competed in the 1600 meter run; and Sam Topaz competed in the triple jump. All five boys received Honorable Mention All-Bergen County honors for their efforts.”

At the Bergen County Championship, Dyagilev and Yamaguchi and the 4x400 meter team all won medals, and “Yu Yu” came up big in the 3200 meter run when he placed third at the New Jersey North II State Sectional Meet.

“Yes, the 2011 Outdoor Track Season has been a very successful one for the boys outdoor track team, but immediately after the Conference Championship, the team agreed to make next season the one where the boys track team wins the Conference Championship," Garrison said. "The coaching staff would like to thank all of the athletes on the team for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.”

The Lady Bridgemen also had a nice year that saw one of their athletes, Nancie Sophias, make history and become the first female runner from Fort Lee High School to qualify for the State Meet of Champions and break a school record in the 800 meter race set in 1978.

Head Coach Demba Mane was pleased with how things went during the spring track season.

“This season the team returned only two seniors," Mane said. "Although the team was young and inexperienced, they far exceeded my expectations. The team finished 2-3 in the dual meet record and finished with 4th place in the Big North League Championships.”

The girls team had many standout performers as well, including senior Sophias, sophomores Christina Ramirez, Julie Lau, Hannah Cirrone and Freshmen Ashley Jenq and Melanie Plattner.

Sophias winning the League Championship was a big moment for the team, along with a big win in a meet against Cliffside Park.

Coach Mane is happy with the season and knows that the team is very strong on the track end of track and field.

“I feel we can compete with anybody in our league on the track," said Mane.

It was a fun season for both teams and the futures of both look  bright.