Freshman, sophomore, senior doesn't matter for North Shore
East Meadow's Amanda Ashe prepares to pass Elizabeth Caldwell of North Shore in the girls 3000 meter run. (Feb. 12, 2013) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
During the school day, the girls on the North Shore track team are separated by grade level. They go through classes like most other high schoolers -- freshman finally getting the hang of high school, while seniors patiently wait for graduation day.
But as the team walks outside for track practice, that division melts and they are one unit -- together in arms. And very fast legs.
"There's no difference between a junior and a freshman on this team," junior Alexandra Osman said. "It's all based on your ability and how serious you are about it."
The cohesion, as well as exceptional ability, is a big reason for North Shore's success. The squad won its fourth consecutive winter county title on Feb. 7; edging Valley Stream North, 90-75, at the Nassau Class B Championships.
Senior Elizabeth Caldwell won two individual events, finishing the 1,000 in three minutes, 7.06 seconds and the 3,000 in 10:33.17.
Caldwell has been part of all four county championships and is headed to Stony Brook in the fall to compete in track and cross country.
"I've been part of an amazing team," she said. "We have a lot of endurance. We run so many miles each day. That definitely helps us in the races."
In both victories, Caldwell was part of a one, two Vikings finish. In the 1,000, freshman Stephanie Bazan ran a 3:07.28. She passed five runners in the final 50 meters of the race. The final surge was important. Five of the six point scorers finished within one second of each other.
"I was determined not to give up because every point matters," Bazan said.
Osman came in behind Caldwell in the 3,000, running a personal best time of 10:33.25.
"The 3,000 is all about being consistent," she said. "If you start out too fast, you'll probably die out. If you start out too slow, you'll probably never catch up."
Osman came in third in the 1,500, clocking in at 5:03.58. Caldwell finished fourth in 5:03.93.
Junior Kira Martin scored valuable points in two events. She placed second in the 55-hurdles with a 9.88. Martin also cleared eight feet in the pole vault, good for fourth.
"She has done well in events that we typically don't do well in," coach Neal Levy said.
North Shore racked up relay points with a victory in the 4 x 800 meter relay and a second-place finish in the 4 x 400 meter relay.
The 4 x 800 team featured three freshmen and a sophomore, a fact that speaks to both the depth and long term prospects of the program -- something that is important to the upperclassmen.
"The older people help out the younger people as much as we can," Osman said. "If we don't, the legacy and all we've accomplished will be over after we leave."
They refuse to let that happen.
"We need to keep it going," Caldwell said.
After four straight winter titles, who would doubt them?
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
