Track top 5

BOYS

1. St. Anthony’s – The Friars may not have all-state talent in every event, but they are very deep and can score in almost every event. Michael Brunoforte proved that winning the Pole Vault at the St. Anthony’s Invitational. The Friars distance runners also made a statement, taking first in the 4x800 and finishing second in the 4x400.

2. Longwood – The Lions got a big-time performance out of Joe Fuller, who set a school record in the 800 at the St. Anthony’s Invitational. Mark Jackson (sprints/long jump) and Blake Evans, also a sprinter, gives the Lions a huge boost.

3. Half Hollow Hills West – The Colts have one of the best relays crews in the tri-state area, particularly in the 4x400 and 4x100. Dan McCord, is a top sprinter.

4. Smithtown West – Smithtown West has quietly made its way this season. Mark Valentino had a standout performance in the steeplechase at St. Anthony’s, taking first in 9:43.37. The Bulldogs also have a standout high jumper in Michael McCann (6-5). With Fred Walter in the shot put, Smithtown West is certainly in the conversation as one of the best large schools in Suffolk.

5. Farmingdale – The Dalers have quality and quantity in many events. Jezeil Roman is a quality hurdler and pole vaulter while Nicholas Bellacosa is a solid sprinter, while Jason Pierre has reached new heights in the long jump.

Next group: Uniondale, Bay Shore, East Meadow

GIRLS

1. St. Anthony’s – The Friars get the nod over Garden City, but not just because of their first-place finish at the St. Anthony’s Invitational. The Friars can score in field events, such as the high jump and long jump with Katie Gallagher. Olicia Williams is probably the best middle distance runner on the island.

2. Garden City – The Trojans still have the type of depth in the middle distance and distance events that most teams dear of. Emma Gallagher and Michelle Rotondo are two of Long Island’s best.

3. Bay Shore – Jessica Gelibert and Essence Rogers make the Marauders one of the best squads on the island.

4. North Shore – North Shore’s distance crew, led by Samantha Nadel and Brianna Nerud has the depth to compete at a high level in every event track event from the 800 to the 2,000-meter steeplechase.

5. Northport – It’s not all about the distance runners at Northport. The Tigers have a great racewalker in Suzy Farber as well as a find jumper in Sara Ronde.

Next group: Sachem East, Kellenberg, St. John the Baptist,

Athletes of the Week

BOYS
Joe Fuller, Longwood – Set a school record in the 800 at the St. Anthony’s Invitational.

Thomas Awad, Chaminade – Held off a talented field in the 3,200 at the St. Anthony’s Invitational and took first in 9:23.73.

Kadesh Roberts, Bay Shore - Roberts won the 110 hurdles and 400 hurdles at the St. Anthony's Invitational. He was the only individual double winner among the boys.

GIRLS
Katie Gallagher, St. Anthony’s – Cleared 5-6 in the high jump at the Friars Invite. It was a career best for her.

Olicia Williams, St. Anthony’s – Won the 400 in a state-best time of 54.27.

Kelsey Margey, Harborfields – Won the 1,500 in a nation-best time of 4:26.54. It was her career best.

Brianna Nerud, North Shore - Nerud won the 2,000-meter steeplechase in a Nassau-County record of 6:47.7