Last Sunday, at the second annual New York Road Runners Foundation’s Indoor Jamboree Track & Field Meet at the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in Washington Heights, the Manhattan Academy of Technology Dragons’ 4 x 200 meter relay team of Jubile Domenech, Patty Rosa, Ashley Thomas and anchor leg Tafari McKenzie came in second overall in the meet, qualifying them to run at the prestigious Milrose Games at Madison Square Garden Feb. 2.
“What an honor it is for our school to run at the Milrose Games in the Garden in front of so many people,” said John De Matteo, the team’s coach. “I know my kids will remember this for a long time. They work hard in practice and they deserve to run with the best in ‘the world’s most famous arena….’ It’ll be an amazing night for our school.”
The girls were in third place the entire race, until Thomas pulled ahead in the last 100 meters of her race, setting the stage for McKenzie’s strong finishing lap. McKenzie then caught the third place girl, setting up the stage for M.A.T.’s trip to the Garden.
The Milrose Games, which features professional and Olympic track & field athletes, will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.
The rest of the track team finished well also, with many finishing in the top three in their events. The 13-year-old girls relay team of Michelle Lopez, Tyler Garcia, Raven Marcano and Natalie Lee finished third in their heat in the 4 x 200. Taylor Meyers finished in third in the long jump, Joshua Rosedietcher finished strong in the 200 meters, and Jorge Diaz, Patty Rosa, Daniella “Chippy” Azulai, Daniel Sexton, Nick “Floppy” Karam, “Little T.O.” Terrell Schuler, Peter Lok and Reed Bakirjty also had strong showings in their respective events.
“These Jamborees are great because it gives kids of all abilities and talents to shine in such a great venue,” De Matteo said. “The M.S.G. invite was a bonus for our team.”
