High School Track and Field includes 18 different events, each of which fall into 4 categories: sprints, distance, jumps and throws. Sprints typically range from 100 to 400 meters and distance ranges from 800 meters to 2 miles. Jumps include high-jump, long-jump, and triple-jump. Throws include shot put, discus and sometimes javelin and hammer throw which Elmwood Park High School does not offer. There are some events that don’t fall into a specific category, for example hurdles, running relays and pole vault. Our varsity athletes have been chosen to excel in their specific events, so let’s get to know them!
Cassandra Chowaniak:
Cassandra Chowaniak is 18 years old and a senior. She’s done Track and Field beside Cross Country for all four years of high school. Cassandra is a distance runner, focusing on the 800 and 1600 meter. She went to State this year for Cross Country. Who knows what track is holding in store for her. Cassie says, “My goal this season is to make this an amazing last season full of fun memories!” (C. Chowaniak, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
Serafina Feltman:
Serafina is 17-years-old and a senior here at EPHS. She joined T&F her freshman year and has been dedicated since. She always has a positive attitude and encourages her teammates. Serafina runs sprints, specifically 400s and 200s, but would consider herself a “multi-trick pony” as she has dabbled in 800s, high-jump, hurdles, and more. Serafina explains, “I have been extensively training all year so I do hope to make it to state and possibly nationals with a record 400 time.” (S. Feltman, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
Nicole Taha:
Nicole is 18 years old and a senior at EPHS. Nicole is a sprinter, focusing on 100s and 200s. She is also one of our only high-jumpers! Nicole is working hard to perfect her high-jump marks and dominate the track. She says, “This season I want to make the best out of it and make fun memories with my team! I also hope to PR in high-jump (hopefully go to sectionals again).” (N. Taha, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
Cariana Atiles:
Cariana Atiles is a junior here at EPHS. She has been a part of the Girls Track and Field team at Elmwood Park since her freshman year. Cariana is a thrower which includes both shot and discus, but she mainly competes in shot. When asked about her goals, Cariana says, “My goal this season is to work hard and hit PRs! I can’t wait to see what the season has to offer.” (C. Atiles, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
Samantha Rodriguez:
Samantha Rodriguez is 17 years old and a senior. She is a thrower and also mainly competes in shot put. Sammy is very excited for her last season. Samantha says, “What I expect for this season is to see all the girls grow as individuals and especially see my throwers improve and throw further as the days go by!” (S. Rodriguez, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
Conclusion: These are just a couple of the varsity athletes on our girls track team. They will next be seen competing at Hinsdale South on April 3rd. After being moved into a new, higher division, the team is excited for this season and the new competitors.
Works Cited:
(C. Atiles, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
(C. Chowaniak, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
(N. Taha, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
(S. Rodriguez, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
(S. Feltman, personal communication, March 5, 2024)
