Bronx high school students shine on the track
A Bronx high school student won the 31st Annual Armory Hispanic Games over the weekend. FOX 5 NY’s Jennifer Williams speaks with standout athlete Nikolos Seeley.
new york city – Nike Track & Field Center armory Washington Heights welcomed thousands of student-athletes to the 31st Annual Armory Hispanic Games over the weekend.
Among the competitors is Nicolos Seeley, a standout athlete from the Bronx who just won the 400-meter dash in an astonishing 48.58 seconds at the New Balance Championships.
“It started as a way to honor the Hispanic community and heritage of Washington Heights,” said Meet Director Timothy Fulton.
Known as one of the fastest indoor tracks in the world, the Armory continues to attract top talent from around the country while developing local athletes.
Rita Finkel, co-president of the Armory Foundation, added: “We’re considered the fastest circuit in the world, and we’re thrilled to have high school students here.”
For Seely, a senior at Harry S. Truman High School, the Armory is both a home track and a world-class opportunity.
Despite meeting track and field legend Usain Bolt, Seeley found his greatest inspiration close to home: his mother, Valerie.
“She’s been through a lot,” Seeley said. “So I came here to make her proud.”
Seeley and his teammates led a talented Mustangs team and took second place in a closely contested varsity sprint medley relay.
Coach Desiree Moorer, a former track and field athlete turned guidance counselor, guides their growth on and off the track and field.
“I went to counseling because I wanted to help athletes get into college,” Moorer said. “I love it because it feels like I’ve never left.”
Coach Moorer added that the team’s success extends beyond athletics as all team members are named to the school’s honor roll.
