Contributor: Sarah Chen

The New York State Federation Track and Field Championships bring together top athletes from various associations, including public, private, and independent schools, to compete for state titles. This event serves as a culmination of the season, highlighting the best performances across the state.​  Avenues has had 3 athletes qualify for Indoor Federation, Gavin being the 4th in Avenues history!

Gavin Wynn, a standout athlete from Avenues, has demonstrated exceptional talent in middle-distance events. Notably, he set school records in the 3,200 meters with a time of 9:41.23 and in the 800 meters with 1:59.38. His dedication and performance have earned him multiple appearances at the Federation Championships. Click here to see the race!

Now, let's hear it from Gavin.

• Reflecting on the Federation Championships, what aspects of your performance are you most proud of, and what challenges did you encounter during the competition?

I’m super proud of my performance at States. I had a rough start, which made the first few laps of the race a significant effort to get back into contention. However, I recovered into a good position by the halfway mark and ran two strong closing laps to finish in the medals— I believe for the first time in Avenues history. 

• Could you describe your preparation leading up to the Championships? Were there specific training routines or strategies that you found particularly effective?

I worked closely with Coach Krupa to get physically ready for the meet — running close to 50 miles a week and cross-training in the gym most days. However, I felt the most benefit from the mental preparation we did, locking in the paces and understanding the different ways the race was likely to play out. 

• Setting school records in both the 3,200m and 800m events is a remarkable achievement. How did you balance training for these different distances, and what motivated you to excel in both?

That was a really exciting day. It’s rare our team gets the opportunity to race the 800 indoors, so I knew I had to go after the record. It also happened to be the last meet before the championship season, where I would have to start focusing on the mile, so I decided to give the double my best shot. 

• This was your third appearance at the Federation Championships. How has your experience evolved over the years, and in what ways has previous participation influenced your approach to this year's event?

Quite a lot. I remember my first indoor championship last year and being scared out of my mind. Unlike the other meets we run, the NYS championship has all the athletes sit down in a clerking zone before the start; that moment last year really shook me, and I felt out of it. But this year I knew what needed to be done and know I could do it. 

• Looking ahead, what are your athletic and academic plans for the next year? Are there particular goals or competitions you're aiming for?

I’m really excited for this outdoor session. I’ve been training smarter and harder than ever before and have set some pretty big goals to follow. After High School, who knows… maybe a D3 national title is in the cards?

Last Friday, the Indoor Track and Field team toed the line at the New York Independent School State Championships (NYSAIS). The team had a record-breaking day, including countless PRs and new school records in the 600m and 1600m. 
 

The point-scoring charge was led by Gavin W., who finished 2nd in the men's mile. His time of 4:18.97 further lowers his school record, and his finishing place of 2nd qualifies him to represent Avenues at the New York State Championship this Saturday March 8th. He goes into the competition ranked 7th. Wish him luck on his quest to bring home Avenues' first State medal! 

Alex T. furthered the point tally, finishing 4th in the men's 600m. In a time of 1:24.99, he drives his school record further out of reach. His performance concludes a season of serious growth as he dropped 4 seconds from the indoor opener in December. Watch out as he looks to shatter the outdoor 400m record this spring. 

Insa A. held up the women's distance team, running both the 1K and 1500m. She finished the races in a time of 3:18.48 and 5:21.38 and placed within the top 15 for both. Layla K. also ran a personal best of 3:25.78 in the women's 1k. 

In the relays, both the men's 4x2 and women's 4x4 placed in the top 5 in season-best times. 

Tallying the points, the Avenues men's team tied for 10th in a field of 20, while the women finished 17th out of 25th. 

Congratulations to all who ran and made this season one for the record books. They have set a new standard for Avenues track and field. 

Contributor Sarah Chen 

Senior Day for the Avenues Varsity Indoor Track & Field team was a moment of recognition and appreciation for the dedication, perseverance, and leadership of the graduating seniors. Over the years, these athletes have grown both on and off the track, leaving a lasting impact on their team. This celebration marked a transition from being inspired by upperclassmen to becoming the role models that younger teammates now look up to.

Growth Through Avenues Athletics

For many seniors, their journey in Avenues Athletics has been transformative.

"My experience with Avenues Athletics, specifically Track and Field, has added a lot of discipline to my life, kept me physically healthy, and really emphasized the importance of teamwork throughout life," shared RJ.

Though track and field is often seen as an individual sport, the seniors recognized the crucial role of their teammates and coaches in shaping their success.

"Without my team and coaches, none of us would be where we are today."

For Gavin, Senior Day was a powerful realization of how far he has come.

"It was special to be celebrated on a team I have been a part of for the past four years. I've seen a lot of seniors graduate, and it was a full-circle moment to realize that it’s now my turn."

The Meaning of Senior Day

Senior Day wasn’t just about recognition—it was a celebration of dedication and a chance to reflect on the impact of being part of the Varsity Indoor Track & Field team.

"Being celebrated on Senior Day meant recognition for the commitment us seniors put into track and field. It was a moment of appreciation and validation, and something for the underclassmen to look forward to," said RJ.

For Gavin, the event also showcased how much the team has grown.

"It was great. I'm very proud to see how big and passionate the team has become."

Memories That Will Last Beyond the Season

One of the most touching moments of the evening was when the underclassmen shared their appreciation for the seniors.

"We, as seniors, are role models who the other members of our team look up to and are inspired by. They highlighted that through their meaningful speeches, and it was greatly appreciated by us all," said RJ.

These heartfelt words served as a reminder of the legacy the seniors are leaving behind and the strong bonds they’ve built over the years.

Looking Ahead

As the seniors prepare for their next chapter, the lessons they have learned through Varsity Indoor Track & Field—discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—will stay with them long after their final race.

Senior Day was not just a farewell, but a celebration of everything they have accomplished and the foundation they have set for future athletes to follow.

Congratulations to our seniors—your hard work, leadership, and passion have left an incredible mark on the team!

Coach Whatley: Building Resilient Athletes On and Off the Track
Contributor, Wavey Cole

Coach Whatley is more than just a coach—he is a mentor, motivator, and advocate for both the physical and mental well-being of his athletes. His coaching philosophy extends beyond winning, focusing on effort, learning, and continuous improvement. His dedication to fostering both athletic skill and a positive mindset has shaped a culture of resilience within his team.

Balancing Athletic Development with Mental Strength

“For me, it’s not just about winning or perfection,” says Coach Whatley. “I emphasize effort, learning, and progress, both in skill development and mindset. This approach helps athletes stay motivated and resilient in the face of setbacks.”

By reinforcing the value of improvement over results, he ensures that his athletes develop confidence and perseverance, setting them up for long-term success both in their sport and beyond.

Injury Prevention and Recovery: The Importance of Rest

One of Coach Whatley’s primary strategies for keeping his athletes at their best is prioritizing rest and recovery. “Take breaks!” he insists. “Your body needs time to recover. It’s easy to feel like resting is wasted time, but stepping away isn’t just beneficial for your body—it’s great for your mind too.”

He emphasizes that rest allows athletes to return to their sport feeling refreshed and ready to handle both physical and mental challenges. Sustainable growth, he believes, comes from balancing hard work with smart recovery.

Motivating Athletes Through Setbacks

“Validate, Validate, Validate,” Coach Whatley says. “Sports are hard! We put so much pressure on ourselves to be great, and our identity often gets linked to our performance.”

He understands the emotional weight of competition and encourages his athletes to reframe their struggles as opportunities for growth. “It’s important to acknowledge performance anxiety and setbacks while also helping athletes view their performance from different perspectives,” he explains. This mindset shift allows them to move forward with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Cultivating a Team Mentality in an Individual Sport

While track and field is often perceived as an individual sport, Coach Whatley places a strong emphasis on building team culture. “Recognizing both individual accomplishments and team milestones fosters pride and a sense of belonging,” he says. Whether it’s setting a personal best or supporting teammates at practice, every contribution matters.

By celebrating these moments, he reinforces the idea that success is not just about individual achievement but about lifting up the entire team.

The Most Important Quality in a Coach: Modeling Resilience

Coach Whatley believes the key to coaching isn’t just knowledge or expertise—it’s modeling the right mindset. “Many of us come from long sports backgrounds with years of grinding that shaped who we are. Some of us coach to pay it forward, while others are driven by that fire to overcome obstacles,” he reflects.

For him, winning is just one piece of the puzzle. “Winning is amazing because it validates hard work, but it doesn’t teach. Losses and failures are what make winning feel great.”

His approach? Use every win and loss as a teaching moment. “What can we do now? How do we move forward? How do we improve? What did this loss teach us about ourselves?”

Ultimately, his goal isn’t just to create great athletes—it’s to instill valuable life lessons. “If I can teach my athletes to view wins and losses as perspective, and to welcome the lessons from failures, then I’ve succeeded far beyond any championship or record.”

At the end of the day, Coach Whatley sees his role as more than just a coach. “My job is to teach and pass on important lessons that my athletes can carry with them for life,” he says. And with that mindset, he is shaping not just strong athletes, but strong individuals.

Racing Into History: Insa A.'s Record-Breaking Comeback

Contributor, Jesminder Vega, Chair of Communications

This week celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our community, and this week is no exception! Meet Insa A., whose grit and determination have rewritten the record books. Insa has not just broken one but two school track records, leaving her mark in the 600M and 1500M events. From overcoming setbacks to finding joy in her comeback, Insa’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and hard work pay off. Let’s dive into her story and hear from Insa about what this milestone means to her, how she balances academics and athletics, and what’s next on her horizon.

Avenues Athletics celebrates an incredible achievement by Insa A., who broke not one but two school track records! Insa’a outstanding performance in the 600M event set a new record, and she followed it up with another record-breaking run in the 1500M event. 

When asked about her accomplishment, Insa shared, “My goal wasn't to break the record, but when I found out, it felt really great since I had been injured for a lot of last year, so coming back and doing pretty well felt really rewarding!”

Her dedication and hard work have continued to push her further, allowing her to set these records. While balancing intense training and academic responsibilities, she has shown incredible discipline and time management, proving that dedication pays off on and off the track. These achievements are a testament to Insa’s commitment to training and ability to perform well under pressure.

Looking ahead Insa plans to “keep training and hopefully lower these records and place well at NYSAIS!” Congratulations Insa! The Avenues community is so proud, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Breaking Records and Inspiring Futures: The Stories of Insa A. and Alex T.

This week, Avenues celebrates not one but two extraordinary athletes who have etched their names in school history. Insa A. broke two school records in the 600M and 1500M events, showcasing incredible resilience after overcoming injuries last year. Her hard work, discipline, and ability to balance intense training with academic responsibilities have inspired us all. Meanwhile, senior Alex T. shattered the school record in the 600M event, a testament to his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. From grueling workouts to focusing on recovery and learning from setbacks, Alex’s journey highlights the power of perseverance and preparation. Both athletes exemplify what it means to push boundaries and achieve greatness. Let’s hear from Insa and Alex as they share their reflections on these remarkable milestones and what lies ahead. Dive into their interviews to hear firsthand about their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their inspiring plans for what’s next!

Chasing Greatness: Alex T.'s Journey to a Record-Breaking Finish

Contributor, Khairat Tchakala, Social Media Coordinator

Today, we shine a spotlight on Alex T., a senior whose relentless commitment to self-improvement has propelled him into Avenues history. Alex broke the school record in the 600M event, shattering expectations and inspiring us all. From grueling workouts and the guidance of a dedicated coach to his focus on recovery and mental resilience, Alex’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and preparation. Join us as we hear Alex’s reflections on this monumental achievement, the lessons he’s learned, and the people who have been instrumental in his success.

Alex T., who shattered the school record in the 600M event! For Alex, this achievement is about much more than the numbers on a clock—it’s the culmination of his unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

“Inspired by my desire to improve, I worked to break through a plateau that held me back,” Alex shared. His breakthrough came thanks to consistent effort both on and off the track, with a focus on recovery, nutrition, and rest alongside rigorous training. “Recovery is even more important than the workout itself. Being stronger for the next workout makes me a stronger athlete.”

Alex credits much of his success to Coach Whatley, who has been a guiding force in his journey. “Coach Whatley is one of my biggest inspirations. He motivates me, sees potential in me, and is even competitive with me—hoping I become faster than he was.” After his record-breaking performance, Alex celebrated with Coach, marking the moment he officially outpaced his mentor.

The road to this milestone wasn’t easy. From grueling practices at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island—“running 3 300s and 4 150s had me sore, cramping, and exhausted”—to overcoming the mental challenges of less-than-ideal performances, Alex’s journey has been one of resilience and focus. After falling short in a previous meet, Alex doubled down on refining his training and addressing mistakes, ensuring he wouldn’t repeat them.

Breaking the record by over 2.5 seconds, Alex reflected, “It felt like I was doing things right, and it made me feel that my hard work was paying off.” His accomplishment is a testament to the power of perseverance, preparation, and learning from experience.

Congratulations, Alex—your drive and dedication inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see how far you’ll go in the future!

Interview by Jesminder Vega, AAC Chair of Communications

Gavin Shines at Federation Meet

In this issue, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our exceptional athletes, Gavin W, who recently competed at the prestigious Federations meet. Reflecting on the experience, Gavin shared, "It was very fun and an honor to take part in. It was a really special way to end my high school cross-country career." Competing alongside some of the top athletes in the state, Gavin embraced both the challenge and the moment.

Preparation for such a high-stakes meet requires intense focus and effort. "It was hard," Gavin admitted, but he credits his success to a well-structured training plan. "I worked very closely with Coach Krupa, our head cross-country coach, to prepare for a meet like this." His regimen included early morning runs, cross-training, and building the mental toughness needed to perform at his best.

For Gavin, success has been a team effort. He highlighted the incredible growth of his team over the years, saying, "When I joined as a freshman, we were just six runners, and there weren’t any girls on the team. Now, we’re 30 strong, running two full teams and competing in major meets like NYSAIS." He also expressed gratitude for his teammates and coaches, emphasizing the camaraderie and encouragement that defined his experience.

One moment stood out to Gavin during his race: hearing his teammate Santiago cheer him on from the backwoods of the course. "It’s inspiring to see others excited about a sport I love so much," he said.

Gavin also stressed the importance of balance, including recovery and nutrition, as key to his success. "You have to listen to your body and make time for rest," he noted, underscoring the value of a holistic approach to training.

His advice to younger athletes? "Stay consistent and never underestimate the power of a strong support system."

Congratulations to Gavin for his outstanding achievement and for proudly representing our community at Federations!