The Ransom Everglades boys’ and girls’ track and field teams competed on Tuesday in their district competition at Tropical Park against 10 other high schools, including Carrollton, Gulliver Prep, Key West, St. Brendan, Immaculata-LaSalle, Coral Shores, Miami Sunset, Westminster Christian, Miami Washington, and SLAM (Miami). Many athletes were triumphant and are headed to regionals in the coming weeks.  

For the girls’ team, Brooke Scott ‘21 qualified for the 800–meter run, Lindsay Gould ‘21 qualified for the triple jump competition and shot put competition, and Nicole Tacher ‘21 qualified for the 300–meter hurdle competition and the long jump competition. Juliana Williamson ‘22 qualified for the high jump competition and placed first overall, achieving a new personal record. Mia Balestra ‘21 qualified for the javelin throw competition and placed first overall.  

“I jumped my personal best, which was super exciting!” said Williamson. “I am going to work on a new jumping technique for regionals and hopefully set another PR at that meet.” 

For the boys’ team, Alex Dray ‘21 qualified for the 3200–meter run and placed first overall in the event, and Matthew Gallagher ‘21 qualified for the javelin throw competition. Eli Goldman ‘22 qualified for the boys’ high jump competition and achieved a new personal best. Aidan Rothstein ‘22 and Noah Gold ‘22 both qualified for the pole vault competition, coming in first and second place respectively. 

“It feels really good to be improving quickly,” Goldman said. “I work hard to improve my form every day, so it feels good to know that that work is paying off. I need to work on kicking my legs up at the end of my jump and if I do that, I think I am capable of jumping 6’4” in regionals. The goal is to go to states and I think I will be ready.” 

RE also qualified for the girls’ and boys’ 4×400 meter relays and the boys’ 4×800 meter relay. The girls’ team ranked 4th overall in their district meet and the boys’ team ranked 5th overall. The Raiders’ regional competition will be held on May 1, and the location is to be determined.  

“I am very proud of the obstacles that the team overcame today,” said Head Coach Mike Becker. “We will continue to try to prepare for the next level in a difficult year.”  

“I’d never been to districts before, and it was very fun,” said Balestra. “The team is so nice and supportive, and I am so proud of everyone who competed. I am excited to be heading to regionals with my fellow teammates. I know that we tried our best in districts, and I want to push myself, and my teammates, to get ready for regionals.”