Two of New York's top distance runners have been confirmed out for the remainder of the season. West Genesee's Laura Leff, who placed 3rd overall at the Foot Locker National XC Championships this fall, was highly ranked throughout the early season. Leff managed to show her power after she became the third fastest qualifier for the girl's HS Millrose Mile. Unfortunately, a week before the Millrose Games, Leff was diagnosed with a "stress fracture in the small toe middle phalange of her left foot," which sidelined her for the main event.
Catching up with West Genesee coach Jim Vermuelen at the Section 3 state qualifier, he mentioned, "we're happy we caught it early. We think we know what caused the issue, and we are taking steps to ensure this does not happen again." Leff, who attended the meet to cheer on her teammates, is looking to make a return sometime in the middle of the spring season. "We'd like to have her back for the Penn Relays, but Laura's health is always our main concern."
In addition to Leff, North Shore senior Samantha Nadel, who won the HS mile at both the US Open and Millrose, has now announced that she will be taking the rest of the season off. "Samantha has been having tightness in her calves since approximately one week prior to the Millrose Games," North Shore Coach Neal Levy said. In a joint decision between Nadel and Levy, Samantha has decided not to risk any greater injury that would affect her spring season. Without Nadel, North Shore has also made the decision to not run any relays at the national championships.
MileSplit NY would like to wish both athletes a strong recovery, and wish the best for both their teams and teammates.