GSB Hosts Annual Middle School Track Invitational
For the 19th spring in a row, Gill was the home site for the annual Silver Spikes Invitational. In total, 12 middle schools participated in the end of year championship which took place on Wednesday, May 8.
“The Silver Spike has traditionally been the premier championship event for all of the prep schools in New Jersey,” said head middle school track coach Shelly LaBarre. “For most schools, it is their final event culminating the hard work and preparation of their student-athletes’ individual performances. It's well organized and well attended and just a fantastic event for Middle School athletes and it is pleasure to host such a great event.”
GSB had three students finish in the top three in the championship. Katie Lin ’23 was crowned champion in the discus, Zyriq May ‘24 took second place in long jump, and Lauren Rossiter ’23 grabbed third in the 100 meter hurdles. Their high placings, along with contributions from everyone else, helped the Knights finish sixth overall on the boys’ side and seventh overall on the girls’ side.
While the meet honors strong performances, the main focus of the championship and of the middle school track season as a whole is to teach the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and working hard towards self-improvement.
“I love the opportunities that Middle School track and field offers our young student-athletes,” said LaBarre. “Most programs comprise of seventh and eighth grade students but our program is a bit more unique in which we introduce and are inclusive to our entire Middle School student body with a team consisting of fifth to eighth grade. There is something for everyone and we look to guide our students into the areas that they will experience the most success in hopes that they will develop a passion for the sport and/or develop a life-long level of fitness.”
Gill St. Bernard's School
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.