With 13 new school records and only midway through the season, the Madison Country Day School Track and Field athletes are making history. As regionals and state approach, the team has begun to define itself not only through its results but also through its evolving sense of community.
The team roster has grown to 30 athletes, a 50% increase from last year, competing across sprint, endurance, jump, and throwing events, with a dedicated coach for each.
Head Coach Joe Prestigiacomo has smashed his goal to break 10 new school records, which is a great sign for his other goal to send six athletes to the state-level competitions.
“The expansion has brought in so much new energy, diverse skill sets, and fresh perspectives,” Clarence ’27 said. As a returning athlete, Clarence competes in the high jump and said he enjoys having more people on the team. “It feels like a place where everyone grows.”
For many athletes, track serves a purpose beyond competition. Michael ‘29 said he joined the sport to “build legs for volleyball,” but found it to be an “enjoyable end to my school day.”
Coach Darryl Mataya sees that kind of growth as essential.
“Giving young high schoolers a challenge is giving them a way to grow as individuals,” he said.
Jae ‘26 is the embodiment of this philosophy, balancing two of the sport’s most physically demanding events: sprinting and throwing.
While most athletes specialize, Jae manages a split schedule to ensure they excel in both.
Coach Dean, who works with the jumpers, echoed that sentiment, adding that he’s looking forward to “getting to know all the new athletes.”
Meanwhile, returning athletes are bringing high expectations.
Jack ’26 is hoping to compete later this season after tearing both his ACL and meniscus during a soccer match in September. His determination has not wavered.
“Coming back from this injury only makes me want to win more,” he said. He hopes to compete in the 100m and 200m as well as the high jump, while also balancing school and sport by “taking everything step by step.”
Among the sprinters, the atmosphere is just as encouraging.
“Coach Ibu seriously never gets mad,” Leo ’29 said about sprint coach Ibu Doumbya, an opinion many on the team seem to share.
This competitive yet community-driven mindset, along with a willingness to improve, may be exactly what drives MCDS track and field to new heights this season.
