VSN track adds to trophy case

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While Valley Stream North’s boys’ track and field team continued its dominance, winning its ninth spring county championship in 11 years, the Lady Spartans doubled the fun by finally overtaking North Shore to win their first Nassau Class A title in six seasons.

“We have hard-working kids who are focused on doing well for each other,” coach Tim Boyens said. “They all want what’s best for the teams. They’re selfless.”

The Lady Spartans racked up 150 points, 31 more than North Shore, to take the title May 24 at Cold Spring Harbor High School. Seniors Emily Martino and Angeli Andre led the way for North with a combined four county titles and a pair of runner-up finishes. Andre took home county titles in the 200 meter dash, high jump and long jump, while Martino won the 400 intermediate hurdles and placed second in the 400 and 800.

“Those two carried the team on their back,” Boyens said. “They’re great athletes and leaders.”

Andre, who is headed to LIU-Brooklyn, is expected to make her presence felt at next week’s state championships. “She probably could’ve won county championships in a few other events aside from the three she got,” Boyens said. “She’s got an enormous amount of range and athleticism. She’s so determined and hates to lose.”

Martino, bound for Molloy College, took the team’s underclassmen under her wing, Boyens said, and helped them progress rapidly. Martino also completed an impressive trifecta, earning All-County honors in cross-country, winter track and spring track. “That was a big goal of hers,” Boyens said. “Emily can run anything from the 100 to a cross-country race.”

Senior Leeza Theodore made the most of her only season competing in track and field, winning the county title in the discus. “She put in a lot of hours of hard work,” Boyens said. “She tasted a little success early in the season, refined her technique and kept getting better and better.”

Freshman Juel Charles took the county shot put crown, following up on her winter championship in the event, and has a bright future, the coach said. “Big things are ahead if she continues on this path,” Boyens noted.

On the boys side, North romped to the Class A title with 139 points. Lawrence was runner-up with 55. Senior Jake Catalano (1600 meters champion, second in the 3000 steeplechase and the 3200 meters) and junior Tyler John (high jump champion, second in triple jump and long jump) racked up 26 points apiece.

“Jake’s been an important part of the team for years,” Boyens said of Catalano. “He pulled off a tough triple in the county meet.”

Senior Jarred Times, set to attend Adelphi, was a double county champ, taking the long jump and triple jump. “Jarred’s a great jumper and a strong leader,” Boyens said.

Senior Michael Mensa was Class A runner-up in the 100 sprint and third in the 110 high hurdles, while senior Isaiah Walsh, a first-year member of the team, placed second in the county in the shot put.