This year, the Peddie Track and Field team is as powerful and robust as ever. At the recent TSAI Relays at The Lawrenceville School, the boys’ 4×800-meter team of Luca Romanelli ’26, Theo Salapatas ’27, Dasyer Bullock ’26, and Elie Meyer ’26 placed first in their event, finishing with a time of 8:37.50. The girls’ 4×200-meter team also showed their might. Tessa Hughes ’26, Safiyyah Malik ’26, Maddie Hughes ’26 and Foluke Oladeji ’28 ran a collective time of 1:49.27, shattering the previous school record of 1:52.9.
Individually, Tessa Hughes holds 13 school records. That earns her the record for holding the most school records.
This season, the team welcomed Coach Madeleine Wood as the newest addition to the distance training staff. Additionally, the team received a set of plyometric exercise boxes, crafted by yours truly.
Let’s see what the team members have to say!
Emerson Gimbel, ’27:
Q: “What’s your opinion of Peddie Indoor Track and Field?”
A: “As a new student at Peddie, I thought I’d try out indoor track as my winter sport. I’ve never run before, but the second I stepped on the track, I felt as if I had run my whole life. The coaches and my teammates are super kind, and I look forward to practice each day.”
Q: “What’s your favorite aspect of the team?”
A: “I enjoy the tight community.”
Q: “What do you think the coaches and leadership have done to give the team a positive atmosphere?”
A: “They’re always saying positive words of encouragement and cheering us on.”
Q: “Do you think you’d enjoy track and field as much if you did it somewhere that’s not Peddie?”
A: “No, as Peddie has a great sense of community.”
Luke Chon, ’26, Team Captain:
Q: “What’s your opinion on Peddie Track?”
A: “I love Peddie’s Track and Field team. All of the teammates and coaches are super supportive, and I think that goes a long way. There’s nothing better than hearing your teammates cheer you on as you run.”
Q: What is your favorite aspect?”
A: “The sense of camaraderie that increases over the season. We really connect with our teammates, especially through all of the hard workouts.”
Q: “As a current captain of the team, what helps you lead the team?”
A: “I remember how I felt as a freshman. I’d never run track before, and I didn’t know anyone, but I remember how supportive my seniors were, and I try to emulate that.”
Q: “Do you think you’d enjoy track and field as much if you weren’t at Peddie?”
A: “I don’t think so. Had it not been for the specific group here when I was a freshman, I probably wouldn’t have ever set foot on the track. But because of how supportive all my teammates and coaches were, it really stuck with me.”
Q: “Is there anyone on the team you’d like to give a shoutout?”
A: “I’ll give a shoutout to Coach Brennan. He’s a busy guy, but he keeps everything running smoothly. He really makes sure everyone’s experience is positive and that everyone bonds and improves as an athlete. I think he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Also, I’ll give a shoutout to Michael for making those boxes. They’re really cool, and we’re definitely gonna put them to good use.” (Thanks, Luke!)
