Top 10 Moments of 2016 - Number 2 & Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

1. Diving For America

Despite the trading off of National Titles and National Leaders between Mamaroneck and Shenendehowa in the 4x800m, the one pivotal moment was the anchor leg dive by Hannah Reale to capture the Penn Relays Championship of America


2. The Silent Steepler

No races were more exciting than Eion Nohilly's Steeple performances at both the State and National Meets.  Nohilly snuck by in the final 150m, to surprise the unsuspecting leaders.


3. Speed Queen Domination

Two names highlighted the year in the sprints, and anytime Lanae-Tava Thomas stepped on the track against Halle Hazzard, you knew there were going to be fireworks.  Both are back next year.


4. Forde's Fantastic Footing

If Ronel Forde only hit the board once at full speed, it only needed to be at Eastern's Indoors, where he shattered the State Record in the Triple Jump, out over 51ft.  Tobi Tella was the name of consistency, as he went on to strong 50+ performances outdoors, including a Penn Relays American Title.


5. Walking Into History

No Race Walker had ever broken 7mins for the mile at the prep level, and Lauren Harris managed to do it both Indoors and Out.  She will forever be known as the first girl to break the barrier in the walk.


6. Petrella Peaks For Perfect Performance

Senior Ben Petrella may have been the Class A XC Champ, but had trouble finding his footing at the elite level on the track.  Well, despite placing near the middle of the pack at Loucks, Petrella came back with a monster effort at the State Meet to win, taking down the meet record as well.


7. Out For Blood

Saratoga has a new star in the ranks, as Kelsey Chmiel tore up the track, taking down some of Nicole Blood's State Records, a former standout for the Blue Streaks.  But no moment defined her freshman year better than the unexpected fourth place finish at NXN.


8. Day of Doubles

The Spring State Meet can be a brutal competition for the sprinters, with three rounds of each race.  For Kelly Brown, make that nine rounds, as he ran them all to win the 100m, 200m, and silver in the 110m Hurdles.


9. Wheeling in the Competition

Coming back from a runner-up position at the Spring State Meet, Abbey Wheeler showed just how competitive New York could be.  She ran to a NY #3 All-Time performance for 2-Miles at New Balance Nationals, much in the same way she attacked the lead Canadian for the American Course Record at McQuaid.


10. One Last Shot

Breaking out as a junior with an indoor state record, Alexis Daniels capped off her career competing in Section 4 with a monster throw of 50-7.5.  It's the only mark over 50ft in State history outdoors, and solidified her spot in the record books.