Riordan’s co-ed track team sprints to CCS Finals
While competing for the Riordan track team in the hurdling event, Mare Jablan ’24 leaps over the hurdle with perfection and ease.
May 16, 2023
The build up to race day, stepping onto the track and hearing the click of spikes as you walk towards the starting line, then leaping forward as the whistle blows for GO.
This is what track athletes at Archbishop Riordan, like Hannah Bitonio ’23 and Mason McKee ’23, live for.
Bitonio is a sprinter on Riordan’s track team who was excited to take part in the WCAL trials starting April 29. She shared that the atmosphere at meets is “intense but fun.”
Bitonio provided insight into her relationship with her coaches and team, saying, “They believe in me when I sometimes don’t believe in myself” and they “make Riordan track feel like a family.”
As a graduating senior, Bitonio reflected, “Riordan track has blessed me with great memories and will always have a piece of my heart.”
McKee has had an exceptional season thus far. Most recently, McKee broke his own school record for the 1600 meter with a 4:23:87 time, which he originally broke in the 2022 season.
As a leader on the team, he is proud that Riordan’s track team exhibits “one of the highest average GPAs for a school team, and has a strong culture of success through hard work.”
He said, “It’s a culture we have kept around for years, and it helps us become more dedicated to staying on top of training and racing.”
McKee echoed Bitonio’s statements that Riordan’s coaches have made a significant impact on him as an athlete and individual. “They helped me become the man I am today, and put countless hours into helping me and my teammates improve and succeed.”
As a graduating senior, McKee is thankful for the lessons track has taught him and hopes to translate these into “being the most successful college version” of himself he can be.
WCAL trials were April 29, with finals on May 5. CCS trials were May 13, with finals May 20.