Palisades’ Thomas Smigo has had the dream career of every harrier.
The senior has won four Colonial League and District 11 cross country championships and never lost a race in the district.
As far as his track career with the Pirates, Smigo’s best finish has been a third in the 1,600 meter and a fourth in the 3,200 meter, both accomplished last season.
Smigo also has placed emphasis on the team’s goals. He is confident the Pirates can challenge defending champion Southern Lehigh for the top spot.
“Although we have lost to Notre Dame this year, I’m confident we can win out and potentially win the league championship,” beamed Smigo. “That’s been my goal ever since last year after the home meet against Southern Lehigh.
“To do that as a team would mean everything.”
Head coach Scott Antoni, who begins his 20th year at the helm with an overall record of 120-77-3, sees his team in a similar light. His team posted a 10-1 record with its lone loss to Southern Lehigh.
“Both the girls and boys teams’ numbers are down this year,” said Antoni. “We have more expectations for individuals this season to fill in the gaps left from last year. Overall, both teams have a large amount of talent that we hope to use to maximize our potential as a team.
“We hope to compete for some state titles.”
Along with Smigo, Antoni will look to seniors Gianluca Leblanc (sprints), Hugh Salva (jumps/sprints), Sheadon Carr (throws) and Bryce Guthier (hurdles) to set the pace.
On the girls side, the veteran coach will turn his attention to senior Jillian Schulz (throws), Paige Casterline (jumps), Lucia Brunton-Dardaris (hurdles) and juniors Kaylei Gruver (sprints) and Amelia Smith (distance) for their experience.
Freshmen Silas Day (sprints/throws), Ashton Fitzgerald (middle distance) and senior Seth Ford (sprints) along with fellow freshmen Mikayla Irvine (hurdles) and Isyss Williams (hurdles, sprints) already have made an impact.
As for Smigo, his focus this spring will be making a state run in the 1,600.
“I enjoy the 1,600 better simply based on experience,” he said. “It is more important for me to do well in the 1,600. I believe I can clock a pretty good time in a mile.”
Antoni likes Smigo’s chances.
“I think he does have a good chance,” noted Antoni. “He was among the top five last year, and he has gotten faster and stronger.”
In spite of high expectations for the season, Smigo is envisioning his entire senior picture. He will continue his cross country career at Lehigh University next fall.
“I just want to enjoy every second of this year because this is my last at Palisades,” said Smigo. “Although I am really excited about competing in college, I don’t want my excitement for college to take off having fun for the last few months of high school.”
Smigo has relished his time as a Pirate.
“Honestly, my time at Palisades has gone by pretty fast,” he stressed. “I’m not sure if it is because I am in season pretty much year round, or simply because I am having fun doing it.
“It has gone by quickly, and I am grateful for every moment of it.”
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