Friends' Margey coasts to state title in 800

CICERO, N.Y. -- Sometimes, the best strategy is the one that got you where you are in the first place. Just ask Kelsey Margey.

Margey used her tried-and-true method of going out hard from the start to win the 800-meter run Friday at the New York State and Federation outdoor track and field championships at Cicero-North Syracuse High School.

The Friends Academy senior jumped out to the lead from the opening gun and by the midway point had gapped the rest of the field by 10 meters. Margey doubled the lead by the end of the race as she cruised to her first outdoor state and Federation championship.

"I tried not to look back, but I did peek back one time," Margey said. "I just wanted to stretch it out to the finish line."

Margey won the Class A 800 title in 2:08.9 at the county meet and followed that with a victory in the state qualifier in 2:13.86.

"Margey's win highlighted a strong overall showing by Long Island girls, who totaled eight state titles after Day One.

Melodee Riley of Riverhead won her second straight state triple jump title, finishing second overall with a leap of 38-103/4. Odrine Belot of Kellenberg was the top jumper at 39-9.

SEE PHOTOSState track and field championships