Diodonet, Pierre lead West Milford boys track strong season

There are still some major meets left on the schedule, but the West Milford High School boys track and field program has already established themselves as fierce competitors in all events and at all competitions this season.

Helping to guide the Highlanders in a major way this spring are the senior team captains: Noah Diodonet and Julian Pierre.

“Noah is a better leader than I am,’’ West Milford coach Art Joecks said. “The boys look up to him, he is a great athlete and is the hardest worker on the team by far, a great kid as well.

“Julian is a man among boys. A terrific athlete in soccer and that translated to a wonderful track career. His demeanor is that of a seasoned coach. The way he talks to the other athletes is wonderful and he always puts the team before himself.’’

The accomplishments of both captains in their chosen events thus far this year speak volumes.

“Noah was undefeated in the 400 meter in all of our dual meets,’’ Joecks said. “He is the Conference champ in the 400 as well a part of the Conference champs in the 4-by-400 relay. He came in second in the 400 in the county championships meet, but also was a part of the second place 4-by-100 relay and second place in the 4-by-400 relay.

“Julian was hurt a lot of the season so he did not participate in many of our dual meets early on. However, he did make a comeback right in time for our championship part of the season. He took first place in high jump at our Conference Meet and he took second place in high jump at the County Championship Meet. He is also a big part of our 4 by 100 relay that took second place at the County Championship Meet.’’

Coach Joecks is proud to see the improvements made by the two leaders on a consistent basis.

“They both have made huge jumps in their events,’’ Joecks said. “Julian had been a top high jumper for three years now so he has just been consistent with his jumps.

“Noah’s time in the 400 has steadily gone down all year. He finally broke 50 seconds at the county meet, which is a huge deal for 400 runners. He ran a 49.45, one second off of our school record (held by his brother).’’

Both athletes are looking to continue their success at the next level.

“Both are going to college and doing a sport, Noah track and Julian soccer,’’ Joecks said. “Both are going to great schools and are highly ranked in their class.’’

The Highlanders are scheduled to participate in the NJSIAA Sectionals at Vernon this weekend. Many student athletes have played huge roles in West Milford’s achievements this spring.

“Zack McDowell is the County champion in the 400 hurdles and is a top 110 hurdler in the state,’’ Joecks said. “Noah Christian is a first timer for track and has taken over the distance events. He is county champ in the 800 and is running near school record times. Jaxon Neubig is our javelin, sprinter and jumper, placing in all three at our conference championship meet as well as taking second in the County in the javelin.

“As a team we took second place in the County Championship Meet losing only to PCTI, who is just a track and field juggernaut. We took second place in the Conference as well, losing only to Lakeland (who we ended up beating in the County).’’