The Black and White

by Michaela Conrady Edited by Jillian Mastrostefano

Pilgrim has a thriving track team, filled with new and lasting team members. At this point in the season, as the weather warms up, they’re wrapping up their dual-meets for championship season. “Dual meets” are typically head-to-head competitions between PHS and another school, which allow team members to qualify for championships. 

One of the first qualifiers for PHS track & field was May 2nd, with their second on May 9th. This year, as assistant coach Huddon described, a lot of talented underclassmen are making their way to the top. One sophomore, Jacoby Schmidt, who runs two relays and the 1500 meter, talks about breaking his PR. “I am proud of my progress during this season, I have broke my 1500 meter record twice so far, with a record time of 4:22.” 

Many other team members have been doing the same, with sophomore Juliana Kavanagh adding that. “I’m feeling hopeful on improving my performance in both throwing and distance running. I have made major improvements in my discus throwing this season so far compared to last year.” Another relay runner, Cornelius Zmed, who also runs the 800m added that, “At the St. Germain Invitational I ran my very first sub-2 minute 800…” The St. Germain Invitational, one of the qualifying meets for Pilgrim’s track team, was this past Saturday, May 9th. 

Zmed also adds that, “As a team, we have other standout athletes including runners, throwers, and jumpers, both on the boys and girls teams, who are doing really amazing things this season.” The buildup to the track season starts early in the year, and the work doesn’t end, including for some 4-year members of the team, the graduating class of 26’. 

On the outdoor track & field team this year, 8 seniors leave the team, including Tiffany Blanco, Rebecca Bessette, and Neyela Jean Baptiste on girls track & field, and Kayel Greiner, Sean Skinnard, Dylan Borges, Ryan Boscia, and Jacob Giglietti for the boys track & field team. 

The seniors have been making major strides as well, with boys senior, Ryan Boscia, sharing, “Overall I would say that this season is going very well. I have made lots of improvements from last year and have hit multiple PRs in the 400 which is my main race.” 

Many of the seniors commend the team-camraderie and remember it fondly. Tiffany Blanco, a senior going to Roger Williams University, says “I’m really grateful for everyone past, present, and future that has kept me going through this sport.” She also shares that she’ll be continuing to run cross country and track & field in college. 

Pilgrim is competitive across several events, including throwing. Senior Kayel Greiner also describes his experience doing discus and hammer throwing since his freshman year, “…my season is going pretty great so far, I just picked up hammer 3 months ago and have a PR of 166 to qualify for Nike nationals in Oregon which I will attend.” Many members of the Patriots track & field teams have qualified for nationals, a major accomplishment for Pilgrim–and the students themselves

Overall, the outdoor track team at PHS is a place of individual success, and community connection among the athletes, and when asked about the team, Juliana Kavanagh described that, “While we are always trying to improve our performances on track, being social and connecting with friends is what it is really all about.”

The PHS outdoor track team still has several meets coming up, in particular qualifying meets–though their season is just kicking into gear, they can look forward to a busy end of the year close to the 2026 season as Pilgrim cheers them on!