VSN wins Class A track title

Depth and consistency were the key elements as Valley Stream North captured its eighth Nassau County Class A boys’ spring track and field title in the past 10 years last Friday afternoon at Roosevelt High School.

Senior Zavier Jean-Charles won the high jump, senior Peter Wilk took the 1,600-meter, and junior Jake Catalano placed first in the 3000-meter steeplechase to lead the Spartans, who racked up points in a dozen other events. North’s 114 points were 32 more than host Roosevelt. Lawrence (55) finished third.

“We had a few kids break some school records, but what really makes a complete team is when you cover all the events,” North coach Tim Boyens said. “We take a lot of pride in scoring in as many events as we can.”

The Spartans, who completed their own version of a triple crown after winning county titles in cross-country and winter track, set the tone at the 17-school spring meet by securing 22 points out of a possible 24 in the steeplechase. Catalano won the grueling event in 10 minutes, 20 seconds, and senior teammate Julian Osorio was just a couple of seconds in the rearview mirror. Senior Phil Inguanta placed fourth.

“It was important to start strong and make a statement,” Boyens said.

After establishing a new school record while placing second in the long jump (21 feet, 2 inches), Jean-Charles added the high jump title (6-2) in the day’s final event. Boyens said that Zavier’s performance was special since his twin brother, Stephan, suffered a season-ending broken leg during a meet in early May.

“The guys all rallied behind Stephan and wanted to win the championship for him,” Boyens said. “It was a tough injury.”

Wilk had a school record-breaking performance in the mile, finishing in 4:25.49, and teamed up with classmates TJ Magno, Isaiah Paige and Raj Singh on the 4x400 relay that finished second to Island Trees. “All of our relays exceeded expectations,” Boyens said. “Everyone we called upon stepped up.”

Inguanta, Matthew Cinnamo, Nick Cason and Shane Johnson comprised the 4x800, which placed fourth, while Jesse DiMeglio, Michael Mensa, Jonathon Tonico and Brandon James took third in the 4x100.

As dominant as the Spartans have been over the past 10 years, they never had anyone score in the 100-meter dash at the county meet until DiMeglio did just that last Friday. He finished third, earning All-County honors, and also scored a point in the 200 by placing sixth. “Jesse had a very strong year,” Boyens said.

Magno (second in the 400), Paige (second in 110 hurdles) and Jarred Times (second in triple jump) also came through with big efforts, Boyens said.

The Lady Spartans finished second in Class A. Emily Martino (400 hurdles and 400 dash), Tyesha Irving (100 hurdles), Florencia Decir (shot put), and Elaina Hobbs (high jump) won county titles, and Angeli Andre was the runner-up in the 200 and long jump to lead Valley Stream North’s girls to a second-place finish behind North Shore. The Lady Spartans totaled 119 points.