Once the school day has ended, most kids head off to a plethora of afterschool activities or head home, but for the school’s track and field team, the track feels like home. Which is ironic, since we don’t even have a track. For these young athletes, a track has become more than just a rubber oval: it’s not about what they run on, but who they run with, the mentality that keeps them persevering.
This year has brought stand-out seasons for the Roos. Across the board, whether it’s Cross Country, Indoor, or Outdoor Track, the teams have all broken records and reached new heights. Even while the seasons change, one thing has stayed the same all year, the new and vibrant coaching Mark Carberry brings to the team.
Carberry, a Villanova Alum, coached at the collegiate level for over six years before coming to Abington Friends School. During his time at both St. Mary’s College and Villanova University he has helped coach top-20 Cross Country Teams and a Division I NCAA Cross Country champion. He has also coached two Olympians throughout his career. Before his decision to coach here, Carberry coached at Conestoga Senior High School for over five years.
While he has only been coaching at AFS since August, the impact he has made on the school and individual athletes’ lives will last far beyond this year.
Carberry has brought energetic leadership to the team, always preaching about the importance of community and team culture. He has helped athletes see that track is more than just a sport, but a way of life. He models just the type of person one can become through running, he is a forward thinker for the team, but gives advice beyond running.
He’s there for his athletes on and off the track. There is always a line by his office, filled with students eager to talk to him, and no matter what, he always makes time for the team. Carrberry has really shaped the track team into a home that welcomes anyone.
Logan Copeland ‘26 said, “I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous coaches throughout my sports journey, from travel soccer to school soccer and golf. Among them, Mark stands out as the absolute best. His exceptional coaching skills have earned him a place in my top coaches. Mark possesses an incredible ability to foster a strong team spirit, always being there for us through the ups and downs of each season.”
Gio D’Amico ‘27 said, “Mark has had a huge impact on me as a runner and athlete. He’s pushed me to be better every day and helped me reach a level I didn’t think I could.”
D’Amico hasn’t been the only one reaching new levels. Although this year’s Friends School League Cross Country Championship was at the infamously challenging Belmont Plateau, for the first time in over 10 years, two girls from AFS placed in the top 20 finishers at FSLs. Yassmine Wardigee ’27 (24:54.6) and Ani Melzer-Surkan ‘28 (25:06.9). The boys tied for second-best team finish in AFS history, and for the fourth time in AFS history, had two top 10 finishers. Roger Chen ‘28, and Casey Smothers ‘25.
During the cross country season, Roger Chen ‘28, and Casey Smothers ‘25 were both named XC All-FSL First Team.
During Indoor Track, both the boys and girls broke a plethora of school records. For the boys, James Soergel ‘25 broke the 55m dash record (6.94), 60m (7.28), and 200m (23.09). D’Amico broke the 400m record (51.95), finishing fourth in the Ocean Breeze Invite Sophomore 400m. Jarius Ford ‘26 broke the triple jump record (42’5.25”).
Niels Rush ‘25 broke the pole vault record (7’6”). Ayden Austin ‘26 broke the shot put record (51’19.5”). Roger Chen ‘28 became the 6th Freshman in PA in 2025 for the boys’ mile. The 4x200m Record was also broken by Soergel, Ethan Hodnett-Bell ‘25, D’Amico, and Ford (1.32.81). The 4x200m Relay also made it to Nike Indoor Nationals with Soergel, Hodnett-Bell, D’Amico, and Copeland.
Now onto the girls, Lucy Bryd ‘28 broke the 55m record (7.41), gaining her a spot in the “Top 20 All-time indoor Track & Field PA Freshman,” as well as the 400m record (57.66). Byrd also broke the 200m record with a time of 25.21, receiving a trophy at the Colgate Women’s Games Finals. Rihanna Williams ‘25 broke the long jump record (16’10”) as well as the triple jump record (26’2.5”).
So far in Outdoor, D’Amico has broken the 400m record (50.89). Austin has broken the shot put record (52’0”). Ava Ruff ‘27 has also broken the shot put record (36’3”).
Under the guidance of Carberry, the future is looking bright for AFS running as records continue to prove break-able and dreams prove to never be too big.
It would be remiss and a disservice not to mention the other coaches who have helped the Roos tremendously this year and in the past.
Jess Newushander fiercely led the team last outdoor season, and this cross country season. She has dedicated her time at this school to not being a French teacher, but a tremendous coach. The track team is sincerely grateful for the time she has dedicated to AFS running and looks forward to her return.
Lisa Treadway-Kurtz has been with the Roo’s for many years, at all levels. Treadway-Kurtz has led both the high school and middle school teams to many victories. Her experience as a runner has shaped her coaching style and brought many athletes success. Her door is always open for young athletes no matter what they need. Treadway-Kurtz is a strong coach, always willing to put in the extra time needed to help the team.
Masai Pines-Elliott is currently a senior at Arcadia University, but when he isn’t attending classes Pines-Elliott is coaching jumps and sprints. He has dedicated two years so far to AFS running and has become a mentor to everyone, no matter what event they are in. His bright personality really shines through his coaching and involvement with the team.
David Robinson has been coaching for many years now, not only track but also wrestling. His multi-dimensional coaching style has helped our Roos succeed on the field. Robinson is always smiling and genuinely cares about the team as a whole. He is a vital part of the coaching staff and the track team’s everyday operations.
Brandon Millbourne has been there for AFS track since the indoor season of 2024. Not only does he coach the track and field team, but also the Roo’s JV soccer team. No matter what you run, or who you are, Millbourne is never too shy to spark up a conversation. His caring nature helps athletes find the confidence to do hard things.
Michele Brinkerhoff, who is a new addition to the track team, has already made a lasting impression on the team. Her focus on each athlete as an individual really stands out and helps bring out the best in everyone. She is dedicated to running as a sport and preaches about the importance of the journey. Brinkerhoff’s presence among the distance team has really meant a lot. Her stepping up to the plate has impacted the Roo’s this season tremendously.
