Herricks track and field's Kenneth Ramdayal qualifies for state meet with wins in weight throw and shot put

Kenneth Ramdayal could've accepted defeat. Instead, the Herricks' thrower adopted a never-give-up attitude that earned him a spot in the state meet.

After fouling out in last year's state qualifier meet in the weight throw competition, Ramdayal placed a strong emphasis on working on his throwing skills throughout the season to prove that he has what it takes.

"For weight throw a lot of my focus has been getting over my left foot and creating a good access around it," the senior said. "I came back stronger and more confident in myself."

Ramdayal threw 69 feet and 7 and 3/4 inches in the weight throw on Day 2 to earn first place and delivered a 54-5 1/2 to win the shot put on Day 1 in dominating fashion at the Nassau boys indoor track and field state qualifier on Monday and Thursday at St. Anthony's High School, punching his ticket to the state championships scheduled for March 6-7 at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island.

"Being able to win two events is always a great feeling because I go against great competition," said Ramdayal, who is ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 3 in the nation according to MileSplit. "Being confident in myself is always a big step in the right direction."

Ramdayal, who won a state title in shot put last season, said he is one step closer to his goal: winning nationals.

"My goal is to be a national champion. All my coaches and I have geared our training towards nationals," Ramdayal said. "I'm looking forward to going to Nashville and making my mark there."

Elsewhere, Uniondale's Ross Wallace won the 1,600 meters in 4:23.75, setting a personal record on Day 2.

"I know I can run really fast, but all I could think about was just having fun," Wallace said. "This is my first time going to states for track, and I definitely want to [get another personal record] and have fun."

Trailing for most of the race, Wallace moved into the first spot on the second-to-last lap and didn't look back. He says having competition like Wantagh's Ian Frazer pushed him to go beyond his limits.

"I have to give a lot of credit to him," Wallace said. "If I didn't go against him, I wouldn't have gotten a [personal record]."

Frazer delivered a strong performance of his own by placing first in the 3,200 on Day 1, finishing with a convincing 9:29.57.

"I've been running for the last five years, so I have gotten used to racing each week," Frazer said. "This year I had some serious competition, and I was able to succeed at a higher level this time around."

Elmont's Aidan Peterkin won the 600 in 35.62, Manhasset's Nicolas Katsoulis won the 1,000 in 2:36.25 and Roosevelt's Leroy Barrett won the 55 meters in 6.43.