Newark Girls Track And Field Team Honored By Freeholders

The 2015 Group 1 Girls Outdoor Team State Champion Weequahic High School Girls Track and Field Team was honored by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders during a meeting held at the Hall of Records on June 10.

According to a release, the Weequahic High School Girls Outdoor Track and Field Team won the 2015 New Jersey Group 1 Team State Championship on May 30, when it finished ahead of its nearest competitor, Metuchen High School, 47-45.

The Indians added to the glory by capturing the school’s second Group 1 Team State Championship in the same year (as well as the Indoor title), for a total of five state titles in one year.

At the North 2 Group 1 Sectional Meet, seniors Saborrah Cooper, Kellyann James and Chevelle Hunte, and junior Rebecca Cadet all won their respective events, helping the team capture the North 2 Group 1 Team Sectional Championship by more than 50 points. Senior Yaminah Smith and Keyshawna White also contributed to the victory by earning points in the 800 Meters, 1600 Meters, and 3200 Meters races, and the Shot Put and Discus. The following week the same six girls led their team to its Group 1 Team State Title over Metuchen, when Saborah Cooper also captured her first individual state title by winning the 100 Meters Hurdles.

The team is comprised of the following members: Jasmine Bruton, Rebecca Cadet, Saborrah Cooper, Chevelle Hunte, Kellyanne James, Krissantonia Kerr, Yaminah Smith and Keyshawna White. It was coached by Head Coach Kcyied Zahir and Volunteer Coaches Eddie Green and Mahdi Sumter.

The board’s commendation was sponsored and presented by Freeholders Rufus I. Johnson and Wayne L. Richardson of Newark.

“Tonight we are so proud to welcome back a team that was here just a few months ago when we congratulated them for winning the indoor state championship,” said Freeholder Rufus Johnson.

Freeholder Wayne Richardson recounted the team’s championship performance at the sectional championships, as well as Saborrah Cooper’s first individual state title in the 100 Meters Hurdles.

“Once again, on behalf of all of us here at the Hall of Records, and across the City of Newark and the County of Essex, congratulations for a fantastic season, and for making us all so proud,” said Richardson.

Freeholder Patricia Sebold of Livingston congratulated the team and explained that she has a special connection to Weequahic High School.

“I did my practice teaching there, I know the school from one end to the other, and I’m a member of the Alumni Association because my husband graduated from Weequahic High School,” she said. “I’m thrilled that you had such a wonderful season… you should be very proud of everything you accomplished.”

Photo by Glen Frieson