Long Beach wins first division track title

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It was a history making spring for Long Beach’s girls’ track and field program.

The Marines captured their first-ever division championship and did so in impressive fashion in their own backyard. They hosted the Division 2A meet June 1 at Long Beach Middle School and wrapped up the crown with a handful of events remaining. Their 142 points were 33 more than runner-up Mepham. Valley Stream Central was a far-distant third with 64 points.

“Our field events were really strong and our running events backed them up,” Long Beach coach Megan Grahlfs said. “The girls were so excited. Everyone was jumping up and down. I’m so proud of them. We knew it was possible. We went 13-1 during the regular season and won most meets by a lot of points. It’s just hard to wrap around your brain when it actually happens.”

The Marines captured five individual events and were second or third in six others, in addition to placing second (4x400), third (4x100) and fourth (4x800) in relays. Grahlfs was assisted by Dan Quinn, Rocky Butler and Dan Vaeth.

Senior Jamie Risso came within an inch of being a triple division champion. She won the 400 hurdles and long jump and placed second in the triple jump, one inch behind the top finisher. She went on to break the school record in the 400 hurdles (1:09.31) at the Nassau County Class AAA championships and earned All-County. “She’s a strong athlete and competitor,” Grahlfs said. “She’s been with the program four years and competes year-round. Also a great captain and team leader.”

With basketball season in limbo, senior Gianna Simbari turned her attention to track in the winter. She never competed before and circled back to hoops when a shortened schedule was approved. She returned to track this spring and gave the Marines a huge lift in the shot put and discus, placing first and second in the events, respectively, in the division championships. “She had some pretty special accomplishments in her only track season,” Grahlfs said.

Senior Summer Roberts was third in the shot put and fourth in the discus. Junior Annelise Whelan finished first in the high jump in every conference meet and tacked on the division title. The coach described junior Samantha Addeo as a “super determined and aggressive runner.” Addeo won the 1500m division championship while shaving 11 seconds off her personal best time and was also a part of the 4x800. Another junior, Katherine Almeida, was third in the triple jump, tied for third in the long jump, and part of the 4x400.

Freshman Kayla Carney proved one of the team’s most versatile athletes in the division meet. She was runner-up to Risso in the 400 hurdles, fourth in the 200 and fourth in the shot put. Sophomore Alexandra MacKenzie placed third in the 100 hurdles.

“I never put any pressure on them,” Grahlfs said. “I just wanted them to go out and have fun. They worked especially hard and were motivated.”