With larger numbers this season than in past seasons, the Cinnaminson Winter Track team has seen great success at its recent meets.
“As a whole, we are on the younger side. More freshmen, sophomores, maybe a few juniors, not heavy on the seniors. But we have performed well at our previous meets, and we are hopeful to perform well at sectionals and states,” Coach Derek Moore said.
The team has grown with a strong group of underclassmen who have contributed to the team’s success.
“The team is very strong. We’ve got larger numbers than we have in the past. We added some really good sprint depth, especially on the girls’ side, with some really good freshmen, and the boys’ distance crew is pretty strong,” Coach Timothy Callinan said. “We have got some dedicated throwers that are working hard, and I think it’s a team that’s gonna be pretty good.”
The throwers are off to an impressive start. Despite it being a small team of four throwers, seniors Michael Corkett and Matson Zimmerman along with juniors Jaiden Arguello and Emily Milnes have improved their individual records with a notable meet at the Cherokee Throwdown. With the throwers’ success, Coach Katherine Forte said she hopes to grow the group.
“Our first team goal was just to get people out. We have four throwers on the team right now for winter. Winter is a tough one because it’s just shot put,” Forte said. “So just getting the team to grow and become kind of a family, building and helping each other grow in the sport.”
Across the team, individuals have been standing out at meets for their remarkable achievements, including freshmen Adia DePhilippo and Emma Appleby, and seniors Sephora Cenet and Jake Wickersham.
“[Wickersham] had a great cross-country season coming into the winter season. He’s rounding into form and hopefully by the end of the season and going into the spring, he will keep doing good things,” Coach Moore said. “We have a bunch of young freshmen. Adia DePhilippo has continuously improved in her 400-meter, and Emma Appleby, who was also a freshman, has come on and learned how to triple jump. Then, Sephora Cenet, who is a senior, sprinter, and triple jumper, she’s also done some really good things.”
This season, Wickersham, seniors Evan Santarlas and Victor Bastos, along with junior Dylan Burk, took fifth place in the SMR, breaking the third fastest time in school history at 3:49.36.
Beyond these wins, Wickersham highlights that the camaraderie that comes from running and competing alongside his teammates is what makes his experience.
“This season, I’m mostly looking forward to being able to compete with the team. I feel like being able to run with your friends is the best part of track,” Wickersham said.
The girls have also had notable showings this season in the 4×200 relay, featuring Cenet, DePhilippo, Appleby, and freshman Autumn Corona, taking a season-best time of 1:55.21 and finishing in 12th.
One of the most important aspects of achieving these impressive results is the way the players keep each other motivated.
“Our team’s biggest strength is definitely the way we uplift and motivate each other so we can keep going. In my opinion, whenever we cheer for each other, the meets go better, and I have more fun in general,” senior Tamiah Pottinger said.
To keep this momentum, the coaches emphasize the importance of maintaining motivation and remembering their overall goal for the season.
“One of the ways we stay motivated is, early in the season, the athletes will fill out gold cards for the season to help remind them that in the tough times, staying focused on their goals is the most important thing,” Callinan said.
Forte shared the same sentiment.
“Focusing on your personal growth will help improve your mindset. Even if you didn’t hit a personal record that day, focus on the things you did right instead of what you did wrong,” Forte added.
With their strong numbers, rising talent, and a supportive team environment, the Cinnaminson Winter Track team is set up for continued success for years to come.
