Spring Track

Several Peekskill athletes competed at the Section 1 Class B Championships, held on May 28 at Hendrick Hudson High School.

On the boys’ side, Jermaine Carter finished 16th out of 26 competitors in the 800-meter run, clocking in at 2:08.38. In the field events, Umaru Conteh earned second in the high jump with a leap of 1.75 meters and finished fifth in the long jump with a mark of 5.96 meters. Tony Monchinski competed in the pentathlon, securing fourth place with a total of 2,329 points.

For the girls, Imani Felder claimed fourth place in the high jump, clearing 1.45 meters.

Up next, Peekskill athletes will head to the State Qualifiers, taking place on Thursday, June 5, at Arlington High School, and Friday, June 6, at Suffern Middle School.

Spotlight of the Week

For Peekskill High School senior Tony Monchinski, staying active isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life.

Athletics have played a significant role in his journey from a young age. As a toddler, Monchinski experienced a grand mal seizure, a type of seizure that causes loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. The seizure left lasting effects, making it difficult to develop his gross and fine motor skills.

Rather than allowing those early challenges to define him, Monchinski found comfort and motivation through sports. 

“Playing sports really helped me develop those skills,” he said. Early on, he gravitated towards jujitsu and basketball. “I never really had natural talent, but what I did have was the work ethic.”

That work ethic has become his trademark. Now 18, Monchinski has become a five-sport athlete, competing in cross country, football, wrestling, and track & field – changing sports every year to challenge himself and stay motivated.

His dedication to Peekskill Athletics has not gone unnoticed.

“It’s truly inspiring to see a student who excels in so many sports,” said Peekskill Athletic Director Austin Goldberg in an email to the Peekskill Herald. “Tony’s dedication and hard work in cross country, football, basketball, wrestling, and track are commendable. He not only gave his all in every competition but also serves as a fantastic role model for his peers. His contributions to our school and community are invaluable, and it has been a pleasure to watch him compete and grow. I look forward to seeing his continued success post graduation.”

Monchinski, who is Peekskill’s most recent Athlete of the Month, has captained three teams this year – football, wrestling, and track. Monchinski joined the varsity football team this year after making a friendly bet with his friends. 

“I made a bet with my friends that if I did not make states for cross country my junior year, I would play football my senior year,” Monchinski explained. “That did not end up happening, so I ended up playing football with one of my friends.”

Despite being new to the sport, Monchinski quickly earned a starting position as outside linebacker, was named team captain, and was selected for the Section 1 All-Star game.

In wrestling, in just his second season, he achieved a 25-12 record, multiple invitational placements, and a top-two finish at the Hen Hud Varsity Wrestling Classic in January for the 145 pound class. He credits his progress to advice from one of his coaches: “Focus on the Fundamentals.”

“There would be times where I would do things that are too advanced for me, and then I would end up putting myself in bad positions,” he said. “That advice really helped me.”

This spring, Mochinski continued to excel in track & field, competing in the pentathlon, an event that consists of hurdles, the 1,500-meter race, high and long jump, and shot put. While he once focused on distance running, Monchinski says he needed a change after wrestling season last year.

“I got bored of it,” he said. “After wrestling season in my junior year, I knew that I wanted to play football and the pentathlon would help me prepare. I did it and it’s honestly a lot more fun.”

The shift paid off. In April, Monchinski won the league title in the pentathlon for the second consecutive year, scoring 2,329 points. Then, at the Westchester County Championships in May, he placed third with 2,350 points. He is currently preparing for this week’s State Qualifier.

His varsity résumé also includes a league title in the steeplechase (obstacle race) as a sophomore and the former school record in the 5,000-meter race in cross country, which was broken this past season by teammate Jermaine Carter. Monchinski says he’s very proud of Carter.

“When I first started running, me and him would train together,” said Monchinski. “Seeing his growth as an athlete has been great.”

Track coach Will Diano praised Monchinski’s commitment to sports. “Tony is an incredibly hard working individual. He is very dedicated to his craft and always looking to improve. He embodies the competitive spirit.”

Even with his demanding athletic schedule, Monchinski excels academically too. He’s taken several advanced classes during his time at Peekskill High School, including AP English Language and Composition and four college courses this year alone: College African Diaspora, College Astronomy, College Latino USA, and College Statistics. 

He says balancing school and sports comes naturally. “I just do all my schoolwork in school, during study halls or classes. I take advantage of those opportunities so I don’t have to do them at home,” he said.

After graduation, Monchinski will attend SUNY Oneonta and major in Exercise Science. Monchinski has his goals set out for himself already.

“Once I graduate, I want to become a physical therapist. Maybe open up my own facility possibly too,” he said.

His reason is due to his background in sports. “Growing up, I’ve seen a lot of injuries, and I want to be able to help people who are injured.”

While he’s avoided major injuries, Monchinski has experienced fractures and ongoing stiffness due to his childhood seizure.

“If you see me wrestle or play football or track, I’m pretty stiff,” he said. “I can’t really get myself loose.”

Still, that hasn’t stopped him from staying active. “Playing sports and being active is really important to me because first it’s a lot of fun. And it relieves a lot of stress after being in the school building all day.”

His favorite class? Not physical education – but band.

“Playing music and sports are things that I prioritize and they make me who I am,” said Monchinski, who plays the trombone and euphonium for school and piano at home.

Monchinski is very involved at Peekskill High School. He is a member of several organizations and clubs, including My Brother’s Keeper, Spanish Honors Society, Interact Club, Jazz Band, Studio Orchestra, Astronomy Club, and the Youth Superintendent Advisory Council. He also serves as secretary for the Class of 2025. 

A K-12 Peekskill student, Monchinski is proud of both his academic and athletic journey. When asked if he’s satisfied with his time as a Red Devil, he said, “I am pretty satisfied, but to be honest, I always have the desire to want more. But I really appreciate the success that I have now.”

With his work ethic, heart, and faith guiding him, Monchinski is excited for what the future holds.