This year’s track and field team has attracted an all-time high of 12 members to participate in the javelin event. The new additions signify a growth in popularity in the sport.

The team’s roster consists of new athletes, including senior Sam Roy and juniors Zach Schaedler, Jack Parducci and Tommy Heath-Ringrose.

“For pretty much all of us, it’s our first year, so we still have a lot to learn. However, the majority of the team are underclassmen, so Farmington boys’ javelin definitely has a bright future,” Roy said.

Roy has qualified for the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) tournament with his furthest throw of 143 feet, just two feet short of the state qualification distance. Junior Brian Buono has worked hard at improving his throwing distance, along with being a major contributor to the track team running the 100 meter and the the 4×100 meter.

“After playing lacrosse for two years, I really wanted to branch out and try something new and different. I really decided to focus on javelin to help balance my abilities and help the team in many different areas,” Buono said.

The javelin team has been a huge contributor not only in helping the team succeed in the field meets but also for the whole track and field team as a whole.

The team overall has a record of 5-1 and are preparing for the CCC championship meet and states as players individually qualify.

“Our success comes from the hard work we put in at practice. We get about 50 practice throws a day in order to be the best we can be come the day of the meet. We also watch our nutrition so our bodies will be in tip-top shape each day,” Schaedler said.

Roy is representing the team at the CCC tournament. He placed third in the Bristol Eastern Invitational with a throw of 141 feet. Roy hopes to go into the tournament and represent his team and town.

“Sam is my best thrower, and I hope that he places well at CCC’s,” coach Alyssa Suhre said.