Under the bright stadium lights and the pressure of postseason competition, four athletes from the Jaguars track and field team turned months of preparation into defining performances, earning their places at the Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) Championship.
For juniors Adam Stewart, Gian Carlo De Bastos, Alexander Steszewski, and Alayah Samuel, the journey to the BCAA championship was not just about the results- it was about perseverance, growth, and making a name for themselves.
From distance races to field events, each athlete reached the championship differently, yet they all shared the same thought: dominate.
Adam Stewart delivered, in his opinion, one of his “most dominant performances” for this season. Stewart was labeled the BCAA champion in the 1,600 meters while also earning second place in the two-mile run.
Controlling the pace from the start, Stewart showed both strategy and endurance as he separated himself from the others in the final laps.
“The BCAA Championship was a really rewarding day for me, as I was able to see all of my hard work pay off, and I am so proud of myself for pushing past my limits. I am so excited to keep improving and building on this for the rest of the season,” says Stewart.
Distance runner De Bastos emphasizes that persistence pays off, finishing in fifth place in the two-mile against some of the county’s strongest runners. Staying composed through the grueling race, he pushed through the fatigue to secure his spot and a medal to take home.
While the distance runners battled on the track, Steszewski made his statement in the field events, becoming the shot-put champion. With powerful throws and consistent technique, he secured first place and established himself as one of the top throwers in the competition.
Samuels, qualifying for the BCAA Championship, believes that this marks a major personal achievement. After a season filled with steady progress, she earned her place among the county’s top athletes.
“Alayah is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen. You can always depend on her to give 100%, whether it’s practice or competition. Her work ethic raises the whole team,” explains junior track athlete Chloe Shuch.
With the BCAA Championship complete, Stewart, De Bastos, Steszewski, and Samuel have left their mark on the field and track. Their performance reflected the continual growth of Charter’s track and field program, bringing home mid-season medals.
