The Loomis Chaffee boys track and field team opened its season on Saturday, April 11, at Avon Old Farms School, competing in challenging conditions that featured a steady headwind down the homestretch. Despite the elements, the Pelicans performed well with multiple event wins and a number of personal records. The final score of the meet was 95-49, with Loomis earning the win. 

The field events set the tone early. Junior Jackson Strand improved his previous best in the javelin by more than 18 feet, winning the event with a throw of 164’7”. Senior Abdoulaye Sow also posted a personal best in the shot put, improving by nearly two feet. Junior Daden Scott and junior Alijah Harper-McQueen recorded personal records (PRs) in the discus, and senior LaRhon Williams made an immediate impact as a newcomer in the throwing group. 

In the jumps and vaults, junior Jude Manger claimed first place in the pole vault, freshman D.J. Smith earned second place in the long jump, and sophomore Trae Ford placed second in the triple jump. Senior Ardon West, junior Jasper LaPenn, and sophomore Doyle Kim each contributed points in the high jump. 

On the track, Loomis dominated, winning all but one running event. Senior Miles Gackstetter led the charge with victories in both the 800 and 1500 meters. Additional individual winners included West in the 200, senior George Mirgorodskiy in the 400, senior Alex Fisher in the 3000, junior Payton Flint in the 110 hurdles, and senior Chidi Moemeka in the 300 hurdles. 

The relay teams were equally strong. The 4x100 relay team of junior T.K. Ideriah, Flint, junior Daniel Onyemakonor, and West took first place, and the 4x400 relay of Mirgorodskiy, Ideriah, Flint, and Moemeka also secured a win. 

The distance group saw continued development, with junior Amani Odenigbo, sophomore Jackson Goings, sophomore Cayden Tran, and sophomore Miles Farkas all posting improved performances from last season while freshman Seth Kalansuriya made a strong impression in his first meet with the Pelicans. 

In the sprints, Onyemakonor, Ideriah, senior George Volintiru, senior Triet Nguyen, and junior Kaden Wehbe turned in strong efforts. 

Loomis also benefited from a number of promising first-time competitors, as newcomers made an immediate impression in their first meet representing the Pelicans. 

The team is led this spring by captains Gackstetter, Moemeka, Harper-McQueen, and Onyemakonor. 

Loomis will return to action on Saturday, April 18, when it hosts Taft School for its only home meet of the season.