MileSplit NY - We're expanding! In an effort to increase our coverage to sections with limited in-season reporting, we are happy to announce the creation of MileSplit NY - Section 4. It will serve as a central hub for any and all Section 4 announcements in the future, as well as supported by our local staff. We've hired Travis Miller, a local Section 4 official, to take the reins. We hope to expand this model to other sections in the future, specifically those in need. Travis gave us a quick bio below:
I ran XC and Track for two years in high school at Lansing, while Nordic Ski racing in the winter. I went to the University of Vermont and got a degree in Environmental Studies. While there, I was the President of the running club, Vice President of the Triathlon Club, and also raced for the cycling team. This past year I have worked as a track official in Section IV.
Travis will be on scene taking pictures of XC, Indoor, and Outdoor. If you would like to submit pictures as well, simply contact us at kbrazeil@milesplit.com.
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Saturday will see the return of many of Section 4's standout performers, as well as serving host to a bevvy of outside competition. Last year, Section 4 burst onto the indoor scene, nabbing both the 600m, and 1000m boy state titles. This year, it has been all about the girls of Section 4 for XC. Jess Lawson (Corning) will be representing NY out at the Foot Locker National Championships, but there is still plenty of action back home.
Top Boys Showdowns
Boys 55m
With three entries residing right around the current state leading team, Jamestown is bringing the speed from Section 6. Senior Da'quon Hollingsworth takes the top seed with his 6.65, along with fellow teammate, sophomore Henry Tapia. However, they will have to contend Shaker's own Lloyd Smalling, who could very easily take the win over the shortest of track distances.
Boys 55HH
Look for this to be a WNY showdown, as Grand Island's Kevin Freedman, takes on Alex Egeli of Batavia. The seniors have paried off before, both at States, and at the Brockport Invite. Splitting wins between them, this one should be quick.
1000m
When the distances get bumped up, Section 4 starts to shine. The top three entries are all juniors, and look to harness the sprint speed utilized best for their event. Brendan Collins (Elmira), Micah Page (Horseheads), and Logan Winnigham (Corning) all look to showdown this Saturday.
600m
This race may be more about the clock, than the competition. Matt Murray of Norwich is the defending state champion in the event, and times from NYC have already been flying this year. Will Murray just set out to find his stride, or will he break 1:22 in the opening weekend.
Long Jump
Last year may have been the year of the triple jump, but with so many athletes coming back over 20', Long Jump may make a ressurgence. Mike Egotanda of Vestal may be the hometown hero, seeded at 22-0, but he'll have a challenge from West Seneca West's Greggory Hart, who shares the same seed. Competition breeds state leading marks, so count us as excited to see how far this goes.
Top Girls Showdowns
3000m
The meet starts off with the return of Abbey Wheeler (Elmira), who served as one of the five NXN individual qualifiers last week. Expect her to take the return to the track easy, but it is just as hard to hide talent. Easy for her may still lead to a state leading mark.
55m
One of the states fastest girls will return to the track on Saturday, joined by her teammate. Ashley Grazen of Lancaster burst onto the scene last year as a freshmen, and returns this year seeded at 7.25. She'll be joined at the top of the heats by teammate Allie Mazur.
300m
Dryden's own Abbey Yatsko looks to take the field here, in what could be a very fast time for a flat track. She'll face a challenge from Iroquois own Lauren Jenney at the top of the seed list.
4x200m
Lancaster returns one of the quickest flat-track 4x2's in the state. Pairing off against Dryden, the relays could utilize the duel to be the first team under 1:50 this year.
Shot Put
This could be the most hotly contested event of the night. Lancaster's Mckenzie Kuehlwind starts the season as one of the favorites for a state title, but she'll face off against another favorite in her first meet. Also entered at the Bomber Invite is Jesse Dhaliwall of Grand Island. Both are seeded at 43-feet, and will be looking to challenge the current state leader from Manhasset, Tara Belinsky, who threw 43-7.5 early last week.
High Jump
The Ithaca Invite see's the season debut of Lauren Hudson of Williamsville North, who looks to make it back to the state meet. Her seed at 5-7 would put her atop the state leader list if she can clear the bar, but NYC's Shayla Broughton could retake that leader sunday night as well.
MileSplit NY - We're expanding! In an effort to increase our coverage to sections with limited in-season reporting, we are happy to announce the creation of MileSplit NY - Section 4. It will serve as a central hub for any and all Section 4 announcements in the future, as well as supported by our local staff. We've hired Travis Miller, a local Section 4 official, to take the reins. We hope to expand this model to other sections in the future, specifically those in need. Travis gave us a quick bio below:
I ran XC and Track for two years in high school at Lansing, while Nordic Ski racing in the winter. I went to the University of Vermont and got a degree in Environmental Studies. While there, I was the President of the running club, Vice President of the Triathlon Club, and also raced for the cycling team. This past year I have worked as a track official in Section IV.
Travis will be on scene taking pictures of XC, Indoor, and Outdoor. If you would like to submit pictures as well, simply contact us at kbrazeil@milesplit.com.