Hannon returns with NY's fastest time
Valencia Hannon of Elmont, bottom, gets a hug from a competitor after winning the Girls 200 meter race at the Nassau state meet qualifier. (June 2, 2011) Credit: David Pokress
Elmont sprinter Valencia Hannon said she almost cried after being disqualified in the 100-meter final at the Nassau championships last week.
The junior made up for it at the state qualifier at Westbury on Thursday, winning the 100 in 11.94 seconds and the 200 in 24.37. Both times were career marks for Hannon. Her time in the 100 is best in the state.
"My arms were swinging and my legs were lifting," said Hannon, who will be at states in Rochester next weekend. "I was really moving."
The emotion she displayed Thursday was a far cry from the counties. "That was the first time I was ever disqualified, and it was a terrible feeling," Hannon said. "But I had a chance to calm down. I was blessed it wasn't at the state qualifier."
North Shore also made its presence felt. Brianna Nerud won the 2,000 steeplechase (6:41.33), Samantha Nadel qualified in three events (1,500, 3,000 and 4 x 800 relay), and Emily Osman (1,500, 4 x 800) and Elizabeth Caldwell (3,000, 4 x 800) each qualified in two.
Nerud, who was also part of North Shore's 4 x 800, has a possible showdown looming with Ward Melville's Mary Kate Anselmini, the reigning Fed 2,000 steeplechase champ. Anselmini set the Long Island record in the event at states last spring. It stood until Nerud (6:40.8) broke it last week at the Nassau meet.
"I'm really excited about that. It's going to be really competitive and friendly," Nadel said.
Uniondale has returned to elite status as Britney Webley won the 100 hurdles (14.53). Webley later teamed with Camille Crayton, Tawanda Francis and Adrianna Powell to take the 4 x 100 (49.43). The 4 x 400 relay team of Desiree Johnson-Greene, Monique Mitchell, Kadesha Roberts and Stephanie Linton also qualified, taking second (3:57.14).
Hempstead's 4 x 100 relay, with freshmen Tatyana Gadson, Onelia Denton and Eyavonne Drayton and junior Noveka McKay, qualified as it took second (50.13).
Garden City's Michelle Rotondo (100 hurdles, 400 hurdles), Taylor Hennig (400) and Emma Gallagher (800) qualified. The Trojans' 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relays also qualified for the state meet.
Friends Academy's Kira Garry won the 3,000 (10:09.56) and was second in the 2,000 steeplechase (7:02.06) to qualify in both in Small Schools. Garry joined her sister Katrina, Domenica Lostritto and Maureen Sullivan to help the Quakers qualify in the 4 x 800 (9:52.37).
Wheatley's Ariel Fieldman won the 100 hurdles (16.6) and the high jump (5-0) to qualify in both events.
Cold Spring Harbor will also be represented. Kim Arena (1:11.96) qualified in the 400 hurdles, as did teammates Kelsey Morgan (9-0) and Hallee Henze (8-6) in the pole vault.
