What’s Hall’s Track Team All About?

Hall’s boys track team is easily one of the largest track teams in the state with over 100 boys. It may seem like there would be a lot of controversy and confusion with so many athletes showing up to practice everyday but, head coach, Scott Sampietro says, “Everyone’s contributions matter even if they are not the fastest people on the team. I believe we are better because of our numbers and everyone showing up everyday working hard.” The team is very proud of the environment and community they have built, making sure that each athlete is included. Assistant coach, Everett Hackett said, “The kids who aren’t performing at the top, they are still taking it seriously and trying to really improve themselves.”

Over the years, the team has molded itself into not just a team but a family.  “I think it’s kind

of rare that we have such a [big] group where everyone gets along” says Sampietro.“Teams find it weird how we all like each other, there are no fights on the team and everyone knows we are trying to make the best decisions possible for our teammates. We’re all friends.”

Jordaine Wisdom decided to join the Indoor track team for the season of 2019. Wisdom has played through four years of soccer at Hall and has spent countless hours training for the sport. Wisdom joined the team with expectations of competing and staying in shape, however ended up with a spot on the 4x[200] team which will compete at the New England Championships in the upcoming weekend. When asked about the sport, he said: “I like the atmosphere, it’s definitely the best team atmosphere I have ever been on”, and that “In Track, there is definitely more team love.”

When asked what the coaching is all about, Sampietro stated “We enjoy trying to get everyone to be them best selves, not just running wise but as people.”The culture developed by the coaches and athletes makes an environment for improving one’s athletic ability and overall character.

Indoor Track 2019

Hall Boys Indoor Track and Field has another successful season, ultimately winning their first ever state open championship, third state class championship in a row, several new school records, and posting multiple top times in the US. On Feb. 9, the boys indoor track team headed to Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven to compete in the Class LL State Championship. In previous years, Hall has competed in Class L, but has moved up in the 2019 season to due to size.

Blake Morin, Toby Ruffo, Muhammad Ali, and Miller Anderson knew the team was down 9 points, they understood what it would take to bring home their third consecutive championship title; a win in the 4x[400]. After a hard fought battle against Danbury, the returning champion for 5 years, and NFA, the leading scorer until the final event, the boys ended up taking home the Class LL plaque with an All-State victory in the 4x[400].

A similar situation happened at the annual Connecticut State Opens Championship, where the best athletes in CT journey to Floyd Little Athletic Center once again to compete for the title of best in the state. It takes something special to become the fastest team in the state, but the boys knew that they had what it took to compete at such a high level and succeed.

The meet started out strong with a third place finish from the 4x[200] team consisting of Blake Morin, Yovan Rivera, Isaiah Lazardi, and Jordaine Wisdom. The boys immediately put points on the board and began to set another victory in motion. As more points began to unfold, such as Anderson’s 1st place performance in the 1000m and Trey Cormier’s 2nd place finish in the mile and 6th place finish in the 2 mile, the team began to see the dream as a reality. The boy’s Sprint Medley Relay(SMR) team ran an astonishing 3:34.09 to take 1st place, setting a new state record and posting the 8th fastest time in the US this year. In the end, it came down to the 4x[400] yet again. Bloomfield was seated to destroy the competition, however anyone who has seen Hall perform knows that predictions mean nothing. By running a school record time and finishing in 3rd, the boys 4x[400], consisting of Morin, Ali, Lazardi, and Anderson, clutched yet another win for the Hall Boys Indoor Track team.

Those who qualified for New England championships journeyed to Boston on March 1st in order to compete. The athletes stayed in a hotel and shared plenty of laughs while preparing for one of the biggest meets in the country. Outstanding performances from the meet consist of Anderson’s win in the 1000 meters, with a time of 2:30.12, Cormiers  9:14.76 win in the two mile, and a 3rd place finish with a time of 3:24 from the 4x[400] (Morin, Lazardi, Ali, Anderson).

This weekend, the Hall boys will be sending many athletes to Nationals in NYC. The All American Distance Medley Relay(DMR) that finished 4th at Outdoor Nationals will be running with Morin to fill in for last years graduate. Halls SMR State Open Champions will also be competing, consisting of Morin, Rivera, Lazardi, and Ali. Cormier will run the 2 mile, Anderson will run the 800 and Ruffo will run the freshman 400. All relays and

individuals will have a shot of going All American which is top 6 in the US.

The Future of 2019

The Warriors are looking to defend their Outdoor Class L Championship from last year. After a historic indoor season they will use the momentum as the outdoor track season starts on March 16th.  Indoor is very distance and relay heavy whereas outdoor adds many more sprinting and field events so the boys team is hoping to build a stronger field team. Many boys who go to Hall don’t understand how much they are missing out on. Not only are they missing out on being apart

of a state championship team, but missing the experience and friendships made. If Wisdom could go back to his freshman year, he would do track every season. He said, “I would encourage everyone to do track.”