James Bell and Isaiah Greene Prepare to Qualify for National Championships in March
[Newark, NJ – January 26, 2018] Two West Side High School student athletes recently posted USA top times at the AAU mid-season track and field championships in New York. Both James Bell and Isaiah Greene posted best times at the Hispanic Games in New York earlier this month.
Bell won the AAU mid-season championships in the High Jump for a jump of 6 feet 8 inches, the best mark in New Jersey and the 4th best of any high school student in the country. Green won the 200 meters with a time of 22.10, the 2nd best time in New Jersey and the 10th best in the U.S.
Student athlete James Bell said, “I feel like all my hard work is paying off. I’m supposed to be here! This isn’t me being arrogant, but understanding that if you work hard at your goals you can achieve anything.”
Student athlete Isaiah Greene said, “I am extremely blessed to be in the position I’m in right now. Being ranked 2nd in the state is not something all athletes come across everyday so to be ranked high nationally is a tremendous blessing and one I have worked very hard to accomplish. My journey doesn’t end here and hopefully I can take my talents to my dream school “Clemson University.”
Coach Eddie Greene, who has been coaching track and field for more than 10 years said, “I always tell my athletes that ‘hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Isaiah is Coach Greene’s son. Coach Greene said, “Now that my son is a high school senior, this year is special for me because it marks the end of a journey that began when I began coaching him when he was just seven years old. To see him ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. for the 200 meter dash is a testament to his hard work throughout the years – I often tell my athletes that so it gives me great pride to not only coach have coached my my son to this level but I am also honored to have coached junior James Bell who is also ranked 4th in the US in the High Jump and to be a member of a hurdle team that is ranked 3rd in the U.S. and a member of the 4x 200 relay team that is ranked 7th, as well.
West Side Principal Larry Ramkissoon said, “The administration and student body are very proud of James and Isaiah in both their sports and academic accomplishments. They represent the best of students in both areas.”
Isaiah, an honors student, is exploring Clemson University and Louisiana State University. James is a junior and has interest from three major colleges and universities. In addition to these athletic accomplishments, the West Side Track and Field team is also ranked 3rd in the U.S. for the Shuttle Hurdle Relay and 6th in the U.S. in the 4 x 200 Relay. The team also won the SEC indoor track conference in December over West Essex High School.
Deputy Superintendent of Schools Robert Gregory said, “Thank you to Coach Greene for his commitment to our students. Both James and Isaiah represent how students can excel academically and in sports and how the two disciplines help them plan their roadmap and begin their journey to college and beyond.”
Both James and Isaiah will compete in the NJSIAA state Group 2 Sectional Championships next Friday, February 2, at the John Bennett indoor sports arena in Toms River, New Jersey. The meet begins at 4pm. Coach Greene said, “Come see us make history!”