Calhoun's Chris Landi takes second in mile at Hispanic Games

As the saying goes, it's not how you start, it's how you finish.

Calhoun's Chris Landi would most certainly disagree.

Landi, a senior, finished second in the varsity mile at yesterday's Hispanic Games at the Armory, completing the race in 4 minutes, 24.92 seconds.

"I didn't go out too fast, which is what I like to do," said Landi, who won his heat. "When it came down to the last two laps, I was able to take [the race] over."

A good start is especially important at large indoor venues such as the Armory.

"If you don't get out [fast], you can get pushed around and fall," coach David Hendler said. "We worked on getting out fast and getting a good start all week."

Landi took all that coaching to heart, impressing his coach.

SEE PHOTOSThe Hispanic Games at the Armory

"He was phenomenal. He ran a perfect race," Hendler said.

St. John the Baptist's Paolo Fiore came in third in the event, running 4:25.73.

"I got a bad start," Meehan said. "But when I was planning on making moves in the race to get up in the order, I did it. I'm happy with it."

Chaminade's Sean Kelly finished sixth in the race, running 4:21.79.

McGowan's race was based on one, singular focus -- being the best.

"I wanted to focus more on competing and less on improving my time," he said. "I use my teammates to help me build my speed in practices, which is what I was lacking a lot last season."