On the early morning of Sunday, January 7th, while most were still nestled in bed or enjoying the warmth of their homes, the Garden City boys’ indoor track 4×400 relay team, comprised of Connor Escoffery, DJ McDonough, James Egan, and Joseph Bonomi, showcased an exceptional performance at the Freedom Games hosted at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. Not merely content with participating, the team etched their mark by establishing a new school record, clocking in at an impressive 3:27.01. This remarkable time not only secured their victory in the event but also positioned them as the third-fastest team in New York State for the 2023-24 season.
Beyond the immediate triumph, their swift run qualifies them to compete in the prestigious New Balance Nationals scheduled for March 10, 2024, in Boston. Although Nationals isn’t officially endorsed by high schools, it attracts top-tier high school runners from across the nation. It’s worth noting that the record they broke belonged to the relay team of the 2022-2023 season.
Before their anticipated appearance at Nationals, the team’s sights are set on clinching both Nassau and New York State titles, marking a triumphant conclusion to their high school winter season. Their journey unfolds with determination and a commitment to excellence.