Athlete Profile: Brewster Trio Gets the Job Done

It’s been a great ride for the Brewster track and field squad this winter, and it continued at the New York State Indoor Track qualifier at the New York City Armory on Feb. 26.

Sophomore Ariana Bottalico (3,000 meters), junior Adam McIe (1,600 meters) and senior Jason DiNardo (high jump), all qualified for this weekend’s state championships at Cornell University on March 5.

McIe is the first miler at Brewster to qualify for the states during the indoor track season.

“Adam was able to qualify because he is a very tough and motivated young distance runner,” Brewster coach Joe Scelia said. “Adam came off of an all-state cross country season and that led him well into this indoor season. His time of 4:24 is one of the top times in the state and he deserves it.”

DiNardo is a talented student-athlete and is one of the top jumpers in all of Section 1, according to Scelia.

“Jason always rises up in big spots and he did it once again at the state qualifier meet,” Scelia said. “His high jump of six feet, two inches, ties his own school record and placed him second behind the top jumper in the state from Beacon."

Bottalico ran what Scelia called the perfect race. 

“She ran a 17-second personal best to run 10:25 for 3,000 meters, which is blazing fast,” Scelia said. “She ran against some of the top runners in all of New York State, and finished second to qualify.”

Bottalico put herself in position to qualify because of her work ethic.

“Ariana also gets it,” Scelia said. “She trains the way a star distance runner needs to. She is gutsy and never quits. I am very proud of her."

Bottalico has qualified for states in all three seasons—cross country, indoor track and spring track. 

“I do not know if another girl has ever done that in Brewster history,” Scelia said. “She is a two-time all-state cross country runner and she is one of the gutsiest kids I have ever coached.”

Scelia said that to have these three athletes represent Brewster is a great thing for the community and its program. 

“We work hard here in Brewster,” Scelia said. “Since we do not really have a facility, people outside our team and our team parents do not get a chance to see us much. These three definitely what Brewster track is about—dedication, passion, and guts.”

Each of the state qualifiers answered questions from Patch:

Adam McIe: 

1. Why were you able to accomplish what you did?

I was able to accomplish what I did because of the effort and hard work that my coach and I put into my training this season. At the beginning of the season coach Scelia told me that he believed I could make it to states and the thought of that got me more and more excited as the qualifier meet approached.

My parents also played a huge role in my success this season with their constant support and faith in my running. Also having great teammates to run with everyday helped me get out and run on the cold days in the winter when it can be hard to force yourself to workout.

2. What does it mean to accomplish what you did?

It means a lot to see all of my coach's and my hard work finally coming together and unfolding before my eyes. I'm very happy to have been able to make my coach and parents proud of me.

My success this season has also reinforced my trust in my coach and training, and made me appreciate how fortunate I am to have supporting coaches, parents and teammates.

Jason DiNardo  

1. Why were you able to accomplish what you did?

Coach Scelia always says I must work hard. Every day, I always work extremely hard at practice. Even though we do not have the facilities, I make full use of running around the hallways and I'm constantly in the weight room. 

Most importantly, my love for this sport motivated me to come this far, and I can't get enough of it.

2. What does it mean to accomplish what you did?

It means a lot. I never thought about becoming who I am now and making it to states for the second year in a row. It all started in ninth grade, and from there, I got better and eventually made it to states twice.  I love competing at states and it means a lot to my family and myself.

Ariana Bottalico

Why were you able to accomplish what you did?

I train everyday. I try to keep my mind focused on my training. I work tremendously hard, train well on weekends. I stay focused and keep distractions away. 

I find myself as a very disciplined person with the sport of distance running. My coach works on good workouts and correct mileage for me.