Ithaca NY - While some athletes must adjust to running on the flat track at the New York State Championships, Section 4 athletes have called Barton Hall of Cornell University home all season.
Brian Crimmins, of Horseheads NY, has been quietly dominating a single event all season. In 2012, Crimmins has proven his dominance over the 1000m dash. Ranked US #1 in the early season, Crimmins has been steadily dropping times, while avoiding the major meets of the NYC Armory. He prefers the flat tracks of the upstate area, and has been able to utilize his own speed to garner impressive results. Crimmins admits that, "Section 3 and Section 2 gets a lot of attention for their distance runners, and it has been nice to show people that Section 4 has some great athletes as well." Crimmins recently lost the title of NY #1 as of the night before the Section 4 State Quals; Kieran Brennan of Pearl River topped Crimmins' time at the Section 1 Sectional Champs. But that ranking wouldn't last long, as Crimmins answered back the night after with a new NY #1 performance of 2:28.1 . That time also sets Crimmins at US #5. Crimmins does not have a clear advantage over the 1000 meter distance at States however. Zavon Watkins, of Millrose Mile fame, ran a 2:22.3 earlier in the season, but was disqualified, along with Christian Delago of Shaker. While Watkins has expressed interest in running the 800m at States, Delago could potentially choose to qualify in the 1000m, which would prove to make a close match. Also a threat, National Record holder in both the 500m and 600m dash, Strymar Livingston has made note that he would like to bump up his distance in the post-season, up from the 800m. That could mean a run at the 1000m state record for Livingston, and prove a challenge for any runner.
Brian Crimmins also wins our Photo of the Week with his performance. To like and comment on our PotW feature, be sure to check out our Facebook page. Be sure to like us to catch all the action for the upcoming Indoor Track post-season.
Other Key Winners:
Matt Moody (Elmira) takes the 3200m in 9:42.53
Rachel Hutchinson of Dryden would win the girls' 1000m in 3:06.27
Max Rogan of Lansing Clears 14-0 for the top spot at State Quals
The 4x800m relays were won by Corning on both the Boys and Girls' side of the event
Also, be sure to check out our interview with Alexis Bartholomew, who is NY #3 in the Pole Vault