Calhoun girls' track wins county title

Calhoun captured its first-ever Nassau County championship in girls’ winter track and field Feb. 9.

After the memorable performance at St. Anthony’s High School, Calhoun coach Joe Migliano had an emotional message for the Colts. “Wow, you girls are amazing and I can’t express how much I love and care for you,” Migliano said.

It was a different feel for Calhoun that night. The bus ride was quiet and the girls had a different focus than normal. They knew what was on the line and were not going to let this opportunity pass them by. Going into the meet Calhoun was ranked third in Class B based on points to perennial champions Valley Stream North and Hewlett.

Calhoun got out to a good start as Erika Klein captured her first-ever county championship in the weight throw and re-breaking her own school record. The races started well also as Junior Carly Curnutt ran a big 20-second personal best to take 3rd in the 3000m race and earning her an all county spot. Stand out freshmen Kaitlyn Stibritz would take 5th with sophomore Kate MacNamara closing the points in 6th for a 9-point event. 

Senior Kelly Martin came up big with a runner-up finish in the 600m. “This is the Kelly I always knew we had, a tough, hard-nosed competitor that when push came to shove would sell out for the team and that’s what she did,” Migliano said. “She was seeded 12th going in, but I knew in my heart she was a top 3 girl, and she proved that everyone!” 

While the girls were performing on the track, the field personnel wouldn't be outdone. Led by junior captain Sara Manson the Colts would begin to pull away in the long jump. Sara hit a season personal best jumping 16-6.75 and taking second. All while she was warming up for the 55m hurdles. Sara would go on to win the semi and then the finals setting another season personal best. A little later she would come back on the runway to take second in the triple jump. Manson would earn 26 points out of the 100 team points. “Sara is just different. She's one of a kind and only getting better,” Migliano would say.

In the race walk Omana Phillips set a personal best by 40 seconds to place second, while freshman Taylor Halvorsen was third. In the 1500m, senior captain Julianna Razza finished second and freshman Sofia Zampella was third.

Julia Baguiao who waited practically the entire meet to compete would show up in the 300m race and not disappoint, taking third and setting a school record in the process.

“Some of the girls were getting nervous and feeling some pressure as we had young athletes take on big roles,” Migliano said. “We showed everyone that track is not an individual sport as many think, but a team one,” Migliano said.