West Babylon's winning 4x800m
It's rare we highlight out a single State Qualifier, as most bring about the best performances of the season, with a berth to States on the line. But one State Qualifier in particular, stood out from the rest in 2017, and deserves special mention. As a whole, the Section 11 State Qualifier could be argued as the best Invite of the season. The winning marks surpassed that of Loucks, St. Anthony's, and Red Raiders. Simply put, Suffolk put on quite a show. Here are just twelve reasons why.
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1. Shoreham's Sweep of 1500m & 3000m
2. 4x800m For The Ages
It was the first relay of the day, with all the individual events out of the way. On paper, Shoreham-Wading River were the heavy favorites, clocking a 9:07 at Penn Relays. However, Ward Melville (prev. 9:16.51) and West Babylon (prev. 9:23.10) were not going to let them go unchallenged.
Right out of the gate, West Babylon threw down a 2:15. They followed up with a 2:19, then a 2:17. With Melville and Shoreham right behind, they passed the stick to Paige Keefer, the individual 800m Champ. She tore away with a 2:07 split, to bring her team across the line in first at 8:59.01, the 27th teams to ever break 9mins in NY History, the first NY team to do so this year, and the third in country this year.
Right behind them was another battle brewing. Shoreham's Katherine Lee was leading Ward Melville. Lee, who would split a 2:06 or better hand-time, began to run wide around the final turn. So much so, it pushed her and the Melville girl out to Lane 5 by the time they crossed the line. Shoreham crossed in 9:01.32, Melville in 9:01.87. The next best team was Sachem East, at 9:13.39.
However, it was later determined that Lee had deterred Melville, and SWR was DQ'ed for interference. With a straight line, three teams may have broken the magic 9min barrier in a single race. That hasn't happened since States, 2010.
3. Back Again
As if that wasn't enough, West Babylon came back two events later, and smashed the State Leader in the 4x400m. With Brittany Korsah running 54.61 to win the Open 400m, and Dana Beggins at 57.90, add Keefer in there as well, you have one heck of a relay double.
4. Lauren Harris Lowers Her National Record Again
One final swan song for the 1500m Racewalk, senior Lauren Harris (Sachem East) lowered her own National Record in her final appearance in a Sachem jersey. That's because NYSPHSAA doesn't carry the event outdoors, and NBON is contesting the 3000m distance in two weeks. Still, Harris made the best of it, walking 6:17.20, which is lower than her Indoor National Record of 6:17.59.
5. Kyree Johnson Is Back At It Again
After losing much of the early season to injury, Johnson is back on top. He won the 400m with a NY #11 All-Time Mark of 46.68. He also took home the win in the Long Jump at 23-5.5. He capped off the day to help his 4x400m run to NY #2 in 3:17.42
6. National Leaders In The Steeplechase
Competition spurs big marks, and it was never more evident than in the Steeple. Mike Grabowski (Smithtown West) was the State Leader heading into the race, by Jon Lauer (Sachem North) wasn't going to let that stop him from attacking the race. He hit the pace hard, and led from the gun, sprinting away in the final meters to a US #1 of 9:14.14. Grabowski followed to a PR as well, in 9:19.40.
7. Dan Claxton Ties State Leader, Back On Top
It's been a weird spring for Smithtown East's Dan Claxton. With Jyles Etienne coming into the picture, he lost his Indoor Record during the Spring Season, then had his PR bested while Etienne was in the Bahamas. But Claxton stayed determined, and has made things equals. With Etienne missing from the field, Claxton jumped 7-1.75 to tie Etienne's Section 11 & Long Island Record. It also makes him the heavy favorite heading to States.
8. Northport Dips Under 7:50
Before State Quals weekend, nobody in the State had run under 7:53 in the boys 4x800m. Although half a dozen have since, Northport added to that number with a strong 7:48.44, nearly 15seconds ahead of the field.
9. Tibbets Goes State Leading
While his teammate was taking care of business in the Steeple, Chris Tibbetts (Sachem North) was sprinting away in the 1600m. His winning mark of 4:14.37 is the fastest in the State so far, a second faster than even the best converted Mile.
10. Choi Pushes Out State Leader Even Further
Sarena Choi (Westhampton Beach) is the reigning Indoor State Champ, and put up a 39-8 at State Quals to reaffirm why. She'll only have the triple to worry about at States, after placing third with a respectable 18-5.75 in the LJ.
11. Nothing Meek About The Shot Put
Sade Meeks (North Babylon) is the first girl of the season over 45-feet, hitting 45-4 to win the qualifier, against girls at 43-10, and 41-10.25, also top marks in the state.
12. Double NY #2's In The Discus
With Brittany Curtin (Connetquot) and Chris Fasano (Sachem North) in the Discus, both came away with NY #2 throws. Although Curtin is already NY #1, she tossed a 138-10 while Fasano went 175-11.