Michael Vargas has always enjoyed a challenge.
When he was 9 or 10 years old, his uncle challenged him to do 25 push-ups, three times a day, in exchange for ice cream. Passaic Tech seniors still incorporate it into their daily lives.
A few years later, Vargas and his father, who owns a tire shop in Paterson, began building a dark red 2014 Chevrolet Camaro in the shop. His father told him to continue this situation and work at the store as often as possible. Two years ago, when Michael got his learner’s license, his father gave him a Camaro.
“This is my dream car,” Vargas said. “We’re still working on it as much as possible.”
So when Passaic Tech track coach Jeff Scioretti was looking for a pole vaulter last spring, Vargas, who had already run both the hurdles and 200 meters for the Bulldogs, was open to the added challenge.
“Even though I missed the fourth event, I knew it would give the team a lot of points,” he said. “I thought if I jumped in a few times, I would get good at it.”
Less than two weeks after he started vaulting under the tutelage of Branko Milic at Apex Vaulting, he broke 9 feet and helped Passaic Tech take fourth place at last year’s Passaic Relays. By late spring, he had qualified for the Group 4 state championship.
He cleared 11-6 and finished second to Passaic County record holder Owen Keating (Pompton Lakes) at the county championship this winter. His personal best of 12 feet tied the indoor school record less than a year after he started.
“This is the most difficult event for me because so many things happen every time I try vault,” Vargas said. “But I know I have to do my job for the team and I’ll take whatever comes from my heart to get that done.”
“Michael is unselfish and gives his all every day,” Cioletti said. “He’s going to bet it no matter what.”
Vargas was quick to credit his work ethic with two star players on the 2021 Passaic Tech team that helped bring Wayne School its first sectional championship in 31 years.
“When I went to track and field my first year as a freshman, Jordan Ricketts and Keshon Holt were the leaders,” Vargas said. “Seeing how hard they worked, how dedicated they were and how well they did showed me that with hard work, anything is possible.”
Now a senior, he and classmates and co-captains Rainier Galvez and Jordan Lawton are looking to do the same with other talented young kids as Passaic Tech looks to win another sectional title. .
“I want everyone to see how hard we work every time we go out on the track,” Vargas said. He plans to study business management at FDU or Ramapo, continue his track career and hopes his ultimate goal will be real estate. agent (and possibly running for the Dominican Republic).
He’s outfitted the door of his beloved Camaro with a 12-foot woofer and speakers, and plans to unveil it in late May, complete with a mix of rockin’ bachata music and a hypnotic beat.
Michael has another challenge. He keeps his car ready to celebrate another division title.
michael vargas
Sports: athletics stadium
school: Passaic Tech
class: Senior. Year: 18
performance: He won four gold medals as a member of the winning team at the Doc Boverini Passaic County Relays, winning the pole vault, shuttle hurdles, 3×400 hurdles, and 4×200, giving PCT its 10th straight victory over a large school. Ta.
Also nominated: In baseball, Alex Bulger of Hackensack, Shea Rosino of Ridgefield Park, Charlie Wingfield of Ramapo and Rocco Damico of Hasbrouck Heights.