By: Richard L. Smith
For today’s inspiring showcase of talent and determination, we examine the excellence of Newark Striders track club, a mere beacon of hope for inner-city youth aged 5 to 17 who made their mark at the AAU Indoor National Championships held in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
This event, spanning from March 1st to March 3rd at the Virginia Beach Sports Center, saw the Newark Striders compete against over 2,500 athletes from across the nation, demonstrating the spirit and resilience that defines the club.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Mr. Damon Harrison, alongside Assistant Coaches Mechel Hazelwood, Anyae Simmons, Mark Waldren, and Kenny Preilou, the team trained diligently twice a week at the excellently revitalized JFK Recreation Center in Newark’s Central, preparing for what would be a memorable competition.
Their hard work and dedication were evident as many of the 38 athletes representing the Newark Striders finished in the top 15 of their respective events, showcasing the talent brewing within the streets of Newark.
It's worth me highlighting that Coach Harrison serves as a remarkable role model beyond the track.
In addition to nurturing city-wide track and field talent, he also leads as the head football coach at East Side High School in Newark's Ironbound section.
Under his leadership, the football program, which faced challenges in the past, has seen a dramatic turnaround.
Demonstrating vision and perseverance, Coach Harrison guided the team to a triumphant 2023-24 season with an impressive 7-2 overall record and a flawless 6-0 in the SFC - Ivy White Conference.
Among the standouts in the early March AAU Track and Field Championships were Keziah Hyder, Jaiden Pierce, Khair Hyder, Zain Riley, Dexter Durant Jr., and Jeremiah Prioleau, each of whom displayed exceptional athleticism and sportsmanship.
Their performances were not just about personal achievement but symbolized the collective aspiration of every young athlete who dons the Newark Striders’ colors.
The championships also highlighted the Newark Striders’ All-American Athletes, with Aubree Powell, Hannah Davidson, Jeremiah Prioleau, Zair Cook, and the remarkable relay teams making it to the top 8 in the country.
These athletes not only achieved personal bests but also brought honor and recognition to their club, their city/state, and themselves.
According to the organization's website, AAU, with its rich history dating back to 1888, has always aimed to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports.
It is in this spirit that the Newark Striders participated, embodying the AAU’s philosophy of “Sports for All, Forever.”
This event was not just a competition; it was a celebration of youth sports, community, and the enduring spirit of athletics.
Behind every successful athlete stands a supportive community, and for the Newark Striders, this includes Team Mom and Fundraising Coordinator Desiree Flournoy-Powell and Team Admin and Mom Tia Cooley.
Their contributions, along with those of the entire coaching staff and volunteers, have been instrumental in the success and growth of these young athletes.
As the Newark Striders look forward to future competitions, they carry with them the pride of their performances at the AAU Indoor National Championships.
Coach Harrison’s vision of personal records by all Striders became a reality, setting a high standard for both current and future members of the Newark Striders track club.
This achievement is a testament to the power of community, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, proving that with determination, every stride leads to victory.
The following is the entire roster of the team:
PR by ALL STRIDERS:
Keziah Hyder, Jaiden Pierce, Aubree Powell, Skylar Phelps, Jihad Jones, Hannah Davidson, Khalif Shepard, Chase Amos, Skylar Nash, Anjola Akinniyi, Tyrone Davidson Jr, Jeremiah Prioleau, Aaden Thompson, Sebastian Harper, Tyler Parham, Ayomide Ojo, Allias Harper, Zair Cook, Zain Riley, Khair Hyder, Aarinola Akinniyi, Jayden Dean-Alston, Josiah Bonilla Ruiz, Joshua Bonilla Ruiz, Ahmon Dunham, Trinity Johnson, Allissa Joseph, Dexter Durrant Jr, Amare Byers, Camryn McKenzie-Simmons, Jhalia Peoples, Cherrish Torres, Marcel Riley, Zavier Mackey, Jeremiah Bonilla Ruiz, Karly Datilus, Isa Thomas, and Jahir Arrington.