March Comes in Like a Lion
by Mike Rauh
The New Balance Track & Field Center is the famed home of record-setting marks for athletes of all ages. In the 2007 season we’ve seen records fall at the Marine Corps Holiday Classic, the Coca Cola High School Hall of Fame Classic, the Bishop Loughlin Games and other huge meets in this arena. On March 9, 10, and 11th the Armory will feature high school athletes from around the US, Canada, and Bermuda. In all, there will be competitors from at least 32 states who will unleash their potential in three days of challenging track and field events. Meet co-director Adam Sanford told me, “this is a weekend of infinite possibilities.”
The Director of Track & Field, Derrick Adkins (Olympic gold medalist ’96) has everything ready for this big event, and he’s just installed a new set of hurdles. On Tuesday evening Andre Alfred, chief of the fully automatic timing system, finalized the entrants’ database with every heat, section, and lane assignment for the 2007 NSIC. With years of experience, he and the meet officials are ready for the riveting action that will take place over the weekend. Officials will certainly be busy, as many competitors have qualified for this meet by exceeding tough standards.
The fields are stacked deep with talent; the boys weight throw alone will be a thrill to watch as more than 50 competitors will hurl for gold, National record holder SR Walter Henning (NY) is among them. The girls’ 800-meter run will have notable athletes such as SR Brittany Sheffey (NY), and freshman phenom Brianna Welch (NY). The girls’ triple jump will have a good match up with returning champion Ke-Nyia Richardson (CA) and Gabriela Baiter (NY). Don’t miss the fast action at the center of the arena as local favorite SR Saleena Abdur-Rashed (NY) sprints the girls’ 60-meter hurdles.
There are a number of returning NSIC champions to watch for: Boy’s 800 Nectaly Barbosa (WA); 1-mile Race Walk Ricardo Vergara (TX); Girl’s Pole Vault Tori Anthony (CA); and Girl’s High Jump champ Maddie Buttinger Ontario, Canada.
On the relays there are many teams who will challenge their existing NSIC meet records. Returning champions from Shenendehowa boys will run in the 4 by one-mile relay, while Bronxville girls will be a team to watch in the girls’ event. You can expect an explosive pace as the girls from record holding Suffern run the 4 X 800 against the likes of Speed City and Bayshore. The blazing fast boys from Glouster will challenge their meet record in the DMR and record-owner Team Shaker will run the 4 X 800.
What will happen as the critical mass of athletes who are among the top competitors in their home state are challenged by others from around the country? You’ll have to follow the action on this website as the results are posted. Better yet, if you’re anywhere near New York City, come to the New Balance Track & Field Center and thrill to the events as they unfold.
The meet will also honor Scholastic All-Americans. The finalists are all highly accomplished high school scholars who have recommendations from their school; they’ve also performed community service, and competed in track and field. The winners are chosen by committee and will be announced on Sunday mid-morning after the singing of the National Anthem.
Whether you are from Mantua, Ohio; Central Lake, Michigan; Santa Rosa, California; Laramie, Wyoming; Canada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Orlando, Florida; Bermuda; New York, New York or any place in between, good luck in the 24th Annual National Scholastic Indoor Championships!
