Gallagher helps Trojans to 800 relay state record

VESTAL, N.Y. - With her team sitting in fifth place after two legs in the Federation 4 x 800-meter relay final, Garden City's Emma Gallagher wasn't feeling too confident.

Despite a fabulous season, the Trojans appeared to be on the verge of falling short of their goals in the 4 x 800. But any feelings of panic melted after Gallagher made up a 20-meter deficit on the third leg.

Emily Menges took over on the final leg and the rest was history as the Trojans took first and set a state record in 8:49.88 at the state track and field championship Saturday.

"I didn't run well [Friday] and I didn't think we would get first," Gallagher said. "I really thought we'd get fifth."

Aside from winning the race, Garden City was looking for a great time to get them ready for the New Balance Outdoor national championships next week.

"We ran an 8:58 before this, but we needed to find at least four seconds from somewhere to get us closer to 8:52," Taylor Hennig said. "But this was shock. We knew we could do it, but not this soon."

The Trojans continued their dominance in the relays with a Federation title in the 4 x 400 (3:47.45) about 40 minutes later.

SEE PHOTOSHigh school sports -- June

Elmont's Valencia Hannon cemented herself as the state's top sprinter after winning the Federation 100 meters in 11.98 seconds.

Roslyn's Emily Lipari won the 1,500 in 4:24.37, Brentwood's Donna Jeanty won the 400 hurdles (59.01), Ward Melville's Mary Kate Anselmini won the 2,000 steeplechase (6:44.50) and Valley Stream Central's Joanne Imbert took home the high jump. North Babylon's Vanessa Stewart finished her career with a Federation shot put title after a toss of 47 feet.

For Imbert, who cleared 5 feet, 8 inches, it was simply a matter of not losing her rhythm. Most of her competitors were taking nearly all of the three-minute time limit allotted before each jump, but Imbert stretched twice, started her routine and was up and over the bar in less than 10 seconds.

"Things can get a little tense because everyone is staring right at you," Imbert said. "And if I take long or do a run-through and not jump, it just messes me up."

For Jeanty, crossing the line first brought feelings of great relief. "It just felt like all of the hard work finally paid off," the senior said.

Kellenberg's Kim MacKay overcame a deficit on the final lap to win the 800 Federation title in a personal-best 2:07.75.