By Andy Loigu

Veteran Hackettstown High School track and field coach Pam Willson understands that many athletic young men take part in track during the spring to keep themselves fit for the fall and winter “glory sports.”

She skillfully develops winning Tiger track teams by bringing an esprit de corps with the guys pulling for and helping each other to give their best effort, both in practice and in the meets.It is teamwork that makes the dream work.

This year the Tigers are the champs of the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division.

Among the season’s highlights was the Tigers’ establishment of a school record in the 4X400 relay at the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex championship meet. Their 3:24.49 clocking was anchored by Adrian Valencia, who was honored as Athlete of the Week by the Morristown Daily Record.

Valencia also won the 400 meter run, an individual event. He had a busy day at H/W/S, also finishing fourth in the 100 meter sprint.

Plenty of post-season conference honors were awarded to Valencia and his teammates by the New Jersey Herald.

First team: Valencia, long jumper Redjee Nonez, Aidan Murphy, Andrew Bermudez, and Eli Keegan.

Second team: Tom D’Olivo, Les Griglak, Deandre Reaves, Chris Coombs, and Tom Bengyak.

Marques McKenzie was recognized with Honorable Mention.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.