PROVIDENCE, RI – The Cranston East Thunderbolts track and field program continues to build momentum as two standout athletes delivered impressive performances at the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Indoor Track and Field Class Championships held last weekend at the Providence Career and Technical Academy.
Cohen Brinker captured first place in the one thousand meter run, demonstrating the kind of tactical racing and finishing speed that has made him one of the most feared middle-distance runners in the state. Brinker, a junior, has been a consistent performer for the Thunderbolts throughout the indoor season, and his victory at the class championships cements his status as a legitimate contender for the state title when the championship meet arrives later this month.
The one thousand meter run is one of the most demanding events in indoor track, requiring athletes to balance speed with endurance over two and a half laps of the track. Brinker executed his race plan to perfection, sitting comfortably in the pack through the first six hundred meters before unleashing a devastating kick over the final lap. His time was among the fastest posted by any Rhode Island high school runner this season, and it sends a clear message to his competitors: Cohen Brinker is peaking at exactly the right time.
Not to be outdone, Max Catrambone delivered a stellar performance in the six hundred meter run, finishing in second place and earning a spot on the podium. The six hundred is a brutal race that demands both speed and stamina, and Catrambone showed remarkable composure and grit as he battled through a highly competitive field. His second-place finish is a testament to the hard work he has put in throughout the season, and it positions him as a strong contender for a medal at the upcoming state championship meet.
Catrambone, also a junior, has been a key contributor to the Thunderbolts’ success this winter. His versatility allows him to compete in multiple events, and his willingness to step up in high-pressure situations has made him a valuable leader on the team. Coach Michael Traficante praised Catrambone’s performance, noting that his ability to compete at a high level in such a demanding event speaks volumes about his dedication and mental toughness.
The success of Brinker and Catrambone is part of a larger resurgence for the Cranston East track and field program. After several years of rebuilding, the Thunderbolts are once again competing at the highest level in Rhode Island high school athletics. The team’s depth and talent across multiple events have made them a force to be reckoned with, and the coaching staff has done an excellent job of developing young athletes and preparing them for the rigors of championship competition.
Indoor track and field is a sport that rewards preparation, discipline, and mental fortitude. The season is short, and every race matters. For athletes like Brinker and Catrambone, the class championships represent an important stepping stone on the path to the state meet, where the best runners from across Rhode Island will gather to compete for individual and team titles. Both athletes are now focused on fine-tuning their training and ensuring they are in peak condition when the state championships arrive.
The Cranston East community has rallied behind the track and field program, and the success of athletes like Brinker and Catrambone has brought renewed energy and excitement to the school. Parents, teachers, and students have packed the stands at meets throughout the season, creating an atmosphere of support and encouragement that has fueled the team’s success.
As the indoor season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on the Thunderbolts as they prepare for the state championship meet. With Brinker and Catrambone leading the way, Cranston East has a legitimate chance to bring home hardware and add another chapter to the school’s proud athletic tradition. The future is bright for Cranston East track and field, and the performances at the class championships are proof that the program is on the rise.
Congratulations to Cohen Brinker, Max Catrambone, and the entire Cranston East track and field team on a fantastic showing at the class championships. The Cranston Chronicle will be following the team closely as they head into the state meet, and we look forward to celebrating more success in the weeks to come. Go Thunderbolts!