Balanced effort sparks Baldwin

Baldwin crowned three conference champs and also took home the 4 x 200 relay title on the way to a runner-up finish behind East Meadow in the Conference 2 track and field championships.

Senior Benjamin Ross, who went on to capture the Nassau County Class A title in the high jump and qualified for the state meet, led a balanced squad, Bruins coach Rich Carroll said. Ross, who also competes on the school rifle team, set a program record in the high jump (6-feet, 6-inches) that stood for eight years.

“It’s a major accomplishment,” Carroll said of Baldwin’s second-place finish in Conference 2. “It was a true team effort.

Ross, who will be joined at the state meet (March 4 in Staten Island) by senior teammate Will Salmon (1600m), only began competing in the high jump last winter. “Ben is a very bright kid and a quick learner,” Carroll said. “He studies a lot of video and has improved his technique. What he’s done is impressive because during the winter he doesn’t get to practice much high jumping because of the weather and our space restrictions in the gym.”

Salmon, who thrives at a wide range of distances, placed second in the county and conference races in the 1600. His best time of the season is 4:27.10, and he’s a returning state meet participant. “Will is basically our long reliever out of the bullpen,” Carroll said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him. He seems to get better as a race goes on. Over the years, he’s learned not to push too hard right away.”

Ross and Salmon were two of 11 of Baldwin’s All-Conference athletes. Ross, Isaiah Borneo and Tanner Foster won individual conference titles, leading the Bruins to a total of 106 points — 60 behind East Meadow and 57 ahead of third-place Valley Stream Central. 

Borneo, a senior, began experimenting with the shot put in November and was throwing around 35 feet, Carroll noted. His winning throw in the Conference 2 meet traveled more than 42 feet and 9 inches. “Once he got used to the technique, he made a big improvement,” Carroll said. “I’m looking forward to what he can do in the spring.”

Foster, also a senior, was somewhat of a surprise winner in the long jump. “He has great athleticism and his confidence just kept growing,” Carroll said.

Senior Matthew Washington, the team’s top sprinter, anchored the winning 4 x 200 relay which included seniors Erik Glemaud and Chris Nunez-Saunders, and junior Russell Johnson. Washington placed fourth in the county and third in Conference 2 in the 55 meter dash. “He’s pure speed and a hard-working athlete,” Carroll said of Washington. 

Senior Frank Mulvey was second in the conference in the 1000m, senior Dylan Lee grabbed third in the 3200, and senior Gardy Millien was third in the 600. “Gardy’s found a niche in the 600,” Carroll noted.