Following her being named FTHS February Athlete of the Month, the Patriot Press sat down with sophomore track superstar Emma Zawatski!

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What do you like best about track?

– Hanging out with teammates after school every day and moving my body in a healthy way.

What is one of your most memorable moments running track?

– Last year, at the end of spring, I went to nationals in Oregon two days after the Olympic trial. We were there the last day to meet many of the professional athletes I idolized.

Who was your professional inspiration to start running?

– Emma Coburn. We have a lot in common, like our name. She’s an amazing athlete and does a lot for the world community. I want to be just like her. Also, Allyson Felix has overcome a lot to get where she is.

What do you like to do in the offseason?

– Try to refrain from using my legs because there is almost no offseason. I do weightlifting but not running.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?

– Before every race, I always have a drink mix the night before and, in my head, it helps.

What is your favorite school subject and why?

– Math is the most fun and love my teacher and classmates in that class. Math is fun when you understand it.

What is your favorite type of music and who is your favorite musician?

– I love and only listen to Disney music. I get teased for it but I still love it.

Do you have a favorite hobby outside of track?

– Lifting weights. It’s fun to do with my friends and my trainer.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

– Arizona. I love the heat and the sun. I lived there when I was three and my parents loved it when we were there.

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Here are some of Emma’s February accomplishments:

• Central Jersey Group 4 Champion – 1600 Meter Dash
• Central Jersey Group 4 Runner-Up – 800 Meter Dash
• Group 4 Runner-Up – 1600 Meter Dash & 800 Meter Dash
• 1600 Meter Dash time is now 2nd all-time in school history and a top 20 time nationally

Here’s what Coach Briggs had to say about Emma:

“Emma carried her relay teams to two top 10 nationally ranked times and indoor national berths. The team finished 6th at the Group 4 Championship with Emma personally outscoring every other team present but the Top 5.”

Following his stellar performances during February, basketball superstar Jayden Holmes Cotter was named as one of the FTHS February Athletes of the Month!

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First of all, congratulations! How does it feel to be athlete of the month?

– It’s super exciting. It’s my first time getting, so it’s always an exciting experience.

Cool! What position do you play?

– I’m a forward.

Do you like that position? What is its most challenging part?

– The most challenging part is that you’re going up against bigger guys most of the time so there are a lot fewer foul calls. Also, you have a bigger role in rebounding the ball.

So is it hard [to be a forward] competing with bigger players?

– It’s hard but I always love a challenge.

What’s your favorite part about basketball in general?

– The competitiveness and the togetherness on the court. I mean, you can basically have a war with someone on the court and then still be friends after the game. So, definitely the comradery.

What is your favorite memory at Township?

– It would probably be my buzzer-beater to win the game versus Middletown North in the Shore Conference Tournament.

I saw you had 43 points and 22 rebounds. How was that?

– I didn’t even know. I was honestly surprised. I didn’t know I had 43 until the end of the game when I asked the manager. I was more excited about the 22 rebounds and winning the game.

How did you into basketball?

– My brother played football and my sister played basketball. I was playing football with my brother and he tackled me and I just didn’t want to play football. It was basketball right away.

How do you train in the offseason?

– In the offseason, I lift a lot of weights and I go on runs. I do a lot of yoga and stretching to make sure my body is ready for the season.

Do you have any superstitions or pregame rituals? 

– On game days, I eat the same sandwich from the cafeteria.

What sandwich?

– It’s an Italian. I also drink apple juice and eat apples before the game. Also, I eat a Pop-Tart before every game.

Interesting. What kind of Pop-Tart?

– S’mores.

Has anything materialized in terms of playing in college?

– Yes, I plan on playing in college. Whether it’s Division I, II, or III, just playing at the next level is my main goal.

What is your favorite hobby outside of basketball?

– Probably hanging out with friends and playing video games. I’m always playing video games in my room.

What’s your favorite game?

– I play Fortnite, Call of Duty, 2K, I play it all.

Do you have a favorite professional team or player?

– My favorite professional team is the Boston Celtics and my favorite player would be LeBron James.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

– I would say New York. The basketball culture there is crazy and the support your get is one of a kind.

What are you most looking forward to in your senior season?

– I’m looking forward to winning games and winning a championship!

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Here are some of Jayden’s February accomplishments:

• Scored 30 points and recorded 24 rebounds in the team’s win in the Kuhnert Classic vs. Freehold Boro
• Scored a career-high 43 points to go along with 22 rebounds in a game vs. Donovan Catholic.

Here’s what Coach Golub had to say about Jayden:

“Jayden was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder through the season. The offense ran through him and he produced. His 43-point night is a top 5 output in school history and his 24 rebounds against Freehold Boro are the most in at least the last 25 years. Jayden was named 2nd Team All-Shore and 1st Team All-Division by the Shore Conference coaches.”