Athletes are eligible to set State Records up until August 20th, or until they take their first steps onto a College Campus.
Two athletes, who came within less than 2% of setting State Records this Spring, are taking every advantage of that opportunity.
Carter Cukerstein (Shenendehowa) and Michael Pinckney (HS For Construction) were arguably the two best male athletes of the Track and Field Season.
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Pinckney came away with a State Title in the Shot Put, following up his Indoor win in the Weight Throw. However, it was his Discus that got the attention of the Record Books. Shaking off the silver medal at States, Pinckney launched a massive 201-6 in the Discus to nab the National Title at NBNO. It was good for NY #2 All-Time. The mark came as a big shock, as Pinckney's specialty had typically been the Hammer Throw, a good transition from the Indoor Weight Throw, where he is #4 All-Time.
Well, Pinckney got a taste of the State Record, and has continued to improve across the board. He's PR'ed twice in the Shot Put, putting out a 62-0.5 at the USATF Region 1 Champs, and then adding to that to 62-4 at USATF Junior Olympics this past weekend.
The added distance also helped his Disc. At the same meet, Mike threw out another massive throw, hitting 202-8 for another big personal best. The mark is tantalizingly close to the overall New York State Record set by Andy Bloom back in 1991, at 202-9. Pinckney intends to continue his chase of that mark at the 12thRock Throws Series back here in New York.
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Cukerstein set the State Record indoors for the 55m, and had run a wind-aided best in the 100m Outdoors. Finding the right race, wind-legal and fast, is always a challenge in Spring, with opportunities typically limited to the State Meet, and few Invitationals.
Cukerstein clocked a wind-legal 10.42 at the New Balance Outdoor National Championships, which now serves as tied NY #3 All-Time. Cukerstein's 10.29w mark is the fastest All-Conditions in the FAT era.
Another chance has arisen.
Cukerstein is competing out in California at the USATF Junior Olympic Champs, and has the record on his mind. At the Qualifier, Cukerstein dropped another 10.43, showing his fitness is still there. He also qualified in the 200m.
The meet is still underway, and the Shen senior is the top seed in both finals. He opened his weekend in the 200m, and after running 21.27, enters at his personal best, matching Loucks. He also ran a relaxed opener in the 100m, with a 10.63, cruising through the line.
The current State Record is 10.40, set in 2004 by Edino Steele.
Stay tuned as the record is on notice.
