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Flyers Track Club Athletes Qualify for Region 2 at USATF NJ Junior Olympic Meet

Young runners, jumpers, and throwers from Flyers Track Club shine at Hub Stine Field
From left to right: Adrian Wood, Doruk Karagoz, Connor Barrett and Ronan Connolly.
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June 8, 2025

June 8, 2025 — Plainfield, NJ

At Hub Stine Field this past weekend, athletes from the Flyers Track Club made their mark at the USATF New Jersey Association Junior Olympic Championships, competing against top youth talent from across the state. With determination and standout performances across multiple age groups and events, several Flyers athletes earned qualification for the Region 2 Championships, taking place later this summer.

Here are the club’s qualifiers and their impressive finishes:

  • James Bedara (7-8 age group) earned 2nd place in the 1500m Run and placed 7th in the 800m Run, securing a spot at Regionals in the 1500m.
  • Greyson Dunleavy (9-10) finished 8th in the 1500m Run, qualifying for the next level with a strong effort.
  • Grayson Van Dyk (9-10) came in 5th in the 1500m Run, advancing with confidence.
  • Ellie Davis (9-10) leaped to a 4th-place finish in the Long Jump, clinching her place at Regionals.
  • Nicholas Dichiaro (11-12) earned 6th place in the 3000m Run, qualifying for the next round.
  • Rhys Mackaluso (11-12) placed 8th in the 800m Run, making the cut for Region 2.
  • Katalyna Aguilar (11-12) had a busy and successful day, taking 4th in the 3000m Run and 8th in the 1500m Run — qualifying in both.
  • Sandra Jakubiuk (11-12) took 2nd in the 3000m Run and 6th in the 1500m Run, earning her ticket in both events.
  • The 13-14 boys 4x800m relay team — Connor Barrett, Ronan Connolly, Doruk Karagoz, and Adrian Wood — delivered a dominant performance, taking 1st place and the Region 2 title.
  • Molly Kanterman (13-14) hurdled her way to 2nd place in the 200m Hurdles, while teammate Annie Tierney followed close behind with a 4th-place finish.
  • Luke Barba (15-16) turned in two gritty efforts, finishing 2nd in the 3000m Run and 4th in the 1500m Run, qualifying in both.
  • Blaise Lacovara (15-16) showed strength and control in the 400m Hurdles, earning 3rd place.
  • Alex Kessler (15-16) dominated the field with a 1st-place throw in the Javelin, securing a top spot heading into Regionals.
  • Sophie Meyer (15-16) ran an outstanding race, claiming 2nd place in the 3000m Run.

The Flyers Track Club’s collective effort was a testament to their hard work and discipline. With multiple athletes heading to the USATF Region 2 Championships in Slipper Rock University, PA, the Flyers continue to establish themselves as one of New Jersey’s premier youth track and field programs.
The Westfield Area YMCA Flyers Track Club is a USATF-certified club led by USATF-certified coaches and serves hundreds of athletes ages 7-15 all year-round. The Winter Conditioning program starts Jan. 3rd and is registering now. For more information visit the team website at www.yflyerstrackclub.com or contact Michelle Almeida at [email protected] or at 908-301-YMCA (9622) x279.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area YMCA and Cranford YMCA programs. Financial assistance is available for YMCA memberships and programs to those who qualify.