MileSplit HQ - 2016 has been kind to New York State, in particular for female distance running. Many believe that the spring of 2010 was the peak of female distance running for New York State, providing some of the greatest action the NYSPHSAA Spring State Meet has ever seen. We believe that this year's state meet (broadcast exclusively on FloTrack) is shaping up to rival that of 2010, and any race on top of that.
While 2016 proved as strong as ever during Cross Country, New York State took a step up in competition this Winter. As Spring rolls into warmer weather, it looks as if the trend hasn't slowed down.
One of the unique features of the Spring State Meet is that it is two days. With only the 800m and 3000m on Day 1, it is very conducive to doubling in the distance events. We've began to see that mentality creep into the Championship season of several sections around the state. Now more than ever, athletes are doubling and tripling at their championship meets, more than likely in preparation for the possibility at States. And now more than ever, we are seeing these doubles and triples produce times that would have been State Leaders on their own had they been run in the past few years. Below, we list some of the highlight performances so far.
In the past four years, the fastest time run for 3000m has been last year, by Bella Burda, in 9:37.31. Three girls are already under that mark, and they mostly did it on their third event of the day. For the 1500m, there are 15 girls under 4:34, not including mile conversions, of which many of the premiere invitationals run. Simply put, the momentum is building in New York State.
For the 3000m, we are seeing a potential for a momentous race. Below, we list the number of girls in the past 7 years who have broken 10 minutes by the end of the season. Compare that to where we are at this point of the season in 2016, and you can see where the excitement is building. As seen with Loucks in 2015, if you put that caliber of race together, the field will pull every one to unbelievable marks. The indoor State Meet 3000m proved that as well, with a meet record, a freshman state record, and numerous Section Records. It's no secret that 2016 is on another level.
Top Triples and Doubles of 2016 So Far
| Who: | Diana Vizza | Kelsey Chmiel | Katelyn Neal |
| Team: | North Shore | Saratoga Springs | Fayetteville-Manlius |
| Where: | Sec. 8 Class A | Sec 2 Group 1 | Sec. 3 Class AA |
| 800m: | 2:16.49 | 4x8 - 9:14.59 | 2:20.48 |
| 1500m: | 4:31.15 | 4:30.59 | 4:34.76 |
| 3000m: | 9:49.38 | 9:49.05 | 9:32.27 |
| Who: | Megan Reilly | Kelsey Chmiel | Amelia Mahoney |
| Team: | Warwick Valley | Saratoga Springs | Saratoga Springs |
| Where: | OCIAA Champs | Suburban Council | Suburban Council |
| 800m: | 2:13.69 | 2:11.63 | |
| 1500m: | 4:48.24 | 4:28.73 | 4:33.60 |
| 2k SC: | 7:10.56 | ||
| 3000m: | 9:43.49 | 9:35.63 | |
| 4x400m: | 3:54.44 |
| Who: | Sammy Watson | Kelsey Chmiel | Jessica Lawson |
| Team: | Rush-Henrietta | Saratoga Springs | Corning |
| Where: | Monroe Champs | Eddy Games | Sec. 4 STAC Champs |
| 4x100m: | 48.19 | ||
| 4x400m: | 4:05.36 | ||
| 4x800m: | 9:33.43 | ||
| 800m: | 2:13.31 | ||
| 1500m: | 4:35.54 | 4:23.81 | 4:27.74 |
| 200m: | 24.81 | ||
| 3000m: | 9:48.25 |