Hewlett's Bulldog Invitational is postseason preview

The Bulldog Invitational at Hewlett has turned into more than just another Saturday track meet.

It's the final leg of the Long Island Grand Prix of Track and Field.

Established three years ago, the Hewlett Invitational is the culmination of the Grand Prix - four Nassau track and field invitationals: the Valley Stream Challenge, the Paul Limmer Invitational, the Seahawk Invitational and the Bulldog.

Each meet has a number of showcase events within each division and the top 10 finishers in those events earn points. The athlete with the highest amount of points at the end of the four meets is crowned the Grand Prix champion of that event for the season.

Grand Prix event champions receive plaques.

"Having fun is really the key aspect that brings a lot of people out here," Hewlett coach Eamon McHugh said. "It's become one of the more anticipated meets on the Island. Everybody comes out here for fast times and good fun."

Two of the more popular attractions at the meet were the mascot race and the alumni sprint-medley relay that coaches participated in.

SEE PHOTOSBulldog Invitational at Hewlett

Of course, winning is also a big factor.

"In a nutshell, the Bulldog has become a preview to the postseason," McHugh said. "So you want to get good seeds and qualifying times here."

The concept for the Grand Prix was developed by McHugh, Mepham coach Dave Frazer, his brother and Valley Stream North coach Mike Frazer and Cold Spring Harbor coach Bill Yost.

"This wouldn't be possible without all of us being on the same page," McHugh said in reference to the aforementioned coaches. "We all made this happen."

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It also allows for current track coaches to honor various individuals who have helped shape track and field on Long Island over the years.

This year, former Farmingdale coach Walt Brem, Nassau Coaches Association president Fred Deruvo, longtime Nassau track coordinator Bob Baratta and the girls and boys Nassau track official associations were honored by having their names inscribed on the Grand Prix plaques.