The sun is out in New York State, and the pools are starting to open. The Steeple pools, that is. At the Kingston Tiger Relays, Sophomore Sarah Trainor (FDR) blasted away to a major personal best in the 2000m Steeplechase, winning in 6:47.64. The mark is a personal best by six seconds, and only the fourth time she's been under 7mins. Trainor took a big leap in performance this indoor season in the middle-distance, so it was only logical that Outdoors would see similar performance jumps.
The mark is just three seconds shy of the Sophomore State Record. Shelby Greany (Suffern) at one time held four of the possible six class records, including the overall State Record at 6:33.01, before being broken.
In a year where individual female distance talent may have it's greatest depth ever, the Steeple is no exception. Mary Hennelly (Suffern) set both the 7th and 8th Grade Class Records as she progressed, but missed the opportunity for the Frosh Record last year with injury. Now returned to full strength, she is back in contention to challenge some records. And there is always the possibility that another local sophomore, Katelyn Tuohy (North Rockland) could take a stab at the event, possibly challenging a record as well.
For now, Trainor's time is the fastest ever run by a New Yorker in April, as no other athlete has ever broken 6:50 before May 1st. That bodes well for a season that is sure to get faster, and warmer. For now, she's improved to NY #14 All-Time, a number that is sure to drop.
2000 Meter Steeplechase State Records ======================= 7G: 7:00.12 Mary Hennelly (Suffern) 2015 8G: 6:46.84 Mary Hennelly (Suffern) 2016 Fr: 6:48.64 Hannah Davidson (Saratoga) 2005 So: 6:44.63 Shelby Greany (Suffern) 2007 Jr: 6:29.56 Brianna Nerud (North Shore) 2011 Sr: 6:30.73 Brianna Nerud (North Shore) 2012