Photo taken by Mianna Burke ’28: Athletes and spectators at ICAHN STADIUM
By Mianna Burke ’28
The Derby High School Track and Field team recently traveled to Harlem, New York, to take part in NYC Track Night, an exciting and high-energy event that brought together athletes from across the region. For many DHS athletes, this trip was more than just another meet; it was a chance to compete in a new environment and experience a higher level of competition.
As the team arrived, they were met with a lively atmosphere filled with bright lights, music, and large crowds. The event felt different from a typical meet, pushing athletes to step up and perform at their best. Competing in such a big venue allowed DHS athletes to test themselves against some of the strongest teams around.
Derby High School’s Track and Field head coach, Matthew Nicolari, emphasized how important trips like this are for team development. “I think it goes a long way when we take a group out of state or even to a large meet in state, especially with a team. Everyone travels together, competes together, we feel more like a family or a team than an individual. A lot of times, track is individual. So in terms of team bonding and how we develop as a group, when we go out of state, we go to all these large meets and we take a select group, it always kind of builds the culture a little bit more.”
The trip also allowed athletes to bond outside of their normal school environment. Traveling together, warming up as a group, and cheering each other on throughout the meet helped strengthen team chemistry. Since track and field is often viewed as an individual sport, events like this help athletes feel more connected as a team. Nicolari explained that traveling to larger meets helps athletes “feel more like a family or a team than an individual.”
For many athletes, one of the most exciting parts of the trip was competing in such a large and professional setting. NYC Track Night was organized by New Balance, the same company that hosts national level track events, giving the meet a professional atmosphere that many athletes had never experienced before.
Competing against top teams also showed DHS how much progress they have made this season. Facing strong competition motivated athletes to continue improving while giving them a big race experience that will help later in the year.
Overall, the NYC Track Night trip was a memorable and valuable experience for DHS. It not only helped athletes grow competitively but also strengthened their bond as a team, leaving them motivated and ready for the start of championships.
The Raider Press 