WESTFIELD AREA YMCA FLYERS EXCEL AT REGION 2 MEET AND JUNIOR OLYMPIC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Michelle Almeida
The Westfield Area YMCA Flyers Track Club had an impressive performance at the 2024 USATF Region 2 Junior Olympic meet, held July 12-14 at the Lincoln Park Track in Jersey City. 11 athletes represented the Flyers, participating in 18 different events and demonstrating their dedication throughout the season. 
 
The Flyers achieved significant milestones with three athletes setting new club records. Sandra Jakubiuk set a new mark in the 11-12 Girls 3000m, placing fourth with a time of 12:07.27, a personal and club record. Manny Sanchez broke the 15-16 Boys 800m record, also placing fourth, with a time of 2:19.62. Lidia Wright set a club record in the 15-16 Girls 400m semi-finals, clocking in at 1:04.58, and placed sixth in the finals with a time of 1:05.51. 
 
Three Flyers athletes advanced to compete at the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships held at Texas A&M’s EB Cushing Stadium. Competitors included Greyson Dunleavy (7-8 Boys division), Arjun Vernekar (15-16 Boys division), and Sandra Jakubiuk (11-12 Girls division). 
 
The Flyers also had 14 athletes qualify for the Junior Olympic Nationals: 
 
    • Boys 7-8 Division: Greyson Dunleavy – 800m and 1500m Run 
    • Girls 11-12 Division: Sandra Jakubiuk – 1500m and 3000m Run 
    • Boys 11-12 Division: Emerson Parran – Javelin 
    • Girls 13-14 Division: Abigail Drennan – 3000m Run, Lucia Junkroft – Discus, Molly Kanterman – 200m Hurdles 
    • Boys 15-16 Division: Manny Sanchez – 800m and 1500m Run, Arjun Vernekar – 3000m Run 
    • Girls 15-16 Division: Lidia Wright – 100m and 400m Hurdles, Jessica Zhou – 3000m Run 
 
The Westfield Area YMCA Flyers Track Club is led by USATF-certified coaches and serves hundreds of athletes ages 7-15 year-round. Athletes learn the fundamentals of distance running and techniques unique to off-track running, with more experienced runners building on fundamental skills through conditioning and in-depth training. Registration is open now for the cross-country season September 9 - November 1, 2024.  
 
For more information about Flyers Track Club, visit  www.yflyerstrackclub.com or contact Michelle Almeida at malmeida@westfieldynj.org 908-301-9622 ext. 279.   
 
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area YMCA and Cranford YMCA programs. Financial assistance is available for YMCA memberships and programs to those who qualify.  
 
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn more at www.westfieldynj.org.