The Holiday's Bring The Gift of Great 'Times'

Dec 30, 2012

New York, NY - While the season may have hit a lull at the beginning of the holiday break, the tail end has more than made up for it. We were on-site for two of the biggest meets of the weekend, the Marine Corps. Holiday Classic and the North Shore Invitational. Here's how they played out.

Relaying the Message

The Marine Corps Classic was all about the relays, highlighting some of the top new talent to break onto the scene. Elmont Memorial put on an impressive show, winning the 4x400 in an US #1 3:22.02. Chaminade has turned the heads of many after making the finals of the 4x200m, then placing 4th in 1:32.50, but it would be their Distance Medley Relay (1200-400-800-1600) that would be the story of the meet. Paired up against fellow CHSAA teams St. Anthony's, Fordham, and Kellenberg, it looked like Intersectionals on the track. But the real threat came from CBA NJ, who many thought to be the favorite. Coming into the anchor leg, it would be CBA's Jack Boyle, running against Chaminade's Tom Slattery. The pair would exchange the lead twice before Boyle began to break away. But with an extra bout of strength, Slattery began closing in an unbelievable pace, to surpass Boyle within inches of the finish line, to steal victory in 10:21.20.

One presence was surely a welcome return to the Armory. Senior Edward Cheserek, fresh off his defending Foot Locker National Championship, opened up his season in a manner familiar to him. Running the anchor leg of his SMR, which impressed even before the baton made its' way to the senior from St. Benedict's Prep, Cheserek bolted like lightning after the stick touched his hand. Sprinting away, Cheserek clocked his first 400m split in 52.4, proving he had the legs of a middle distance runner. Coming into the last 50m, eyes were on the clock as he capped off his split in 1:51.3, giving his team the clear and away National Leading time of 3:28.91.

For the Girls, the excitement laid in the field events. Two athletes continue to raise the bar, both figuratively and literally, as they improve every weekend. Kara Snyder of Colonie, now a junior, has been reaching the high altitude on a pole vault all season. Now, that dedication is paying off, as she looked very good attempting what would be her Section 2 record of 12-2.25. Her final clearance of the day would be at that 12' mark, and lands her as US #2. And Snyder has some company. In the throwing circle, Outdoor State Champ Briyah Brown of New Rochelle has already only thrown .75 inches off her all-time PR, hitting a very long 44-1 mark on her first attempt. That toss also puts Brown squarely in US #2 territory, and makes her a favorite to nab an indoor state medal as well.

It wasn't only the field events that kept the NY girls in the news. Emma Gallagher of Garden City returned to form this week, to take the Invite Girls 800m run, with a strong kick down the finish line, to edge out the win in 2:16.36. Be sure to check out more meet highlights in the photos below.

Long Island Hits The Big Apple at the North Shore Invite

It was a homecoming for some at the Armory on Friday. But for most, the day meant bragging rights, as much of Long Island was in attendance. And those rights were earned. The distance events took center stage, as Mike Damato (Walt Whitman) picked up a win in the 3200m (9:25.42), Dylan Murphy (Kellenberg) took the 600m (1:21.14), and Tom Meehan (Eastport) grabbed the 1000m rights (2:33.6). Also impressive, Elmont split their top guys amongst two sprint relays, a decision which proved fruitful, as they finished 1-2 in the 4x200m, after a monster anchor leg by Ayo Abodare. But by the end of the meet, it was clear that Smithtown West had once again pulled the trifecta in the field events. Ben Bonhurst had taken the shotput with a 54-3.25, and teammate Devin Mirenda nabbed gold in the Long Jump with a 21-11. That left all eyes on National Leader Mike McCann, who had a flawless day on no misses, clearly sailing over 6-9. It would be his last clearance, as his legs were being preserved for post season, but his jumps have been making statements, one that says, "New York State, watch out."

That said, the most hotly contested ticket on the day was to be the Elite Mile, which serves as an automatic Millrose Mile Qualifier. The allure brought about strong fields, including Kris Moran of North Babylon and Cory McCarty of Elmira. The race took out slow, exchanging leads amidst a too-tight pack of ten. Everyone afraid to make a move, the pace stayed close to 2:20 for the half mile. Sensing an opening, Nick Costello of NJ pushed the pace then, prompting John Flannery (Bronxville) to kick behind him. The sudden move put a fire under Zach Cammer of Walt Whitman, who turned on the afterburners as well, and pushed towards the front. However, he would not be alone long, as Indoor State 3200m Champ Kris Moran was kicking quick, and would threaten the race until the very end. However, Cammer held him off, to win in a earned 4:27.95. Check out the interview below.

On the girls' side of the race, the Guevera Twins of Miller Place woke up that morning with a mission. "We wanted to win, it was all that was on our mind after last year," Talia said. "I just let me sister know, that's what we are going to do today." Ever gracious in their performances, the day started with a win from Talia, as she controlled the pace in the 3000m run, winning in 10:17.17. After that, it was all about her sister. With Talia cheering on, Tiana hit the line running, putting some separation between her and field. But she was not alone. Sophomore Jazmine Fray of Kelleneberg was right there, pushing Tiana every step of the race. The mile turned into a grudge match reminiscent of the old British duo of Seb Coe and Steve Ovett, with the lead being exchanged nearly seven times in the concluding 400m. Tiana would return surge after surge from Fray, and give it everything she had right to the line, winning in the slightest of margins, in 5:02.65. Mission Accomplished!