Hannon to compete at state, plans future at Clemson

Pete Gaffney, Elmont Memorial’s athletic director, left, standing; Tom Magno, the school’s guidance counselor; John Capozzi, principal; Francis Murphy, track coach; Valencia’s mother, left, sitting; father, Doug Hannon, second from right; and Mike Graham, track coach, right; recently congratulated Valencia Hannon, second from left, on receiving a full scholarship to Clemson University for fall 2012 admission, while she signed her letter of intent to attend the school.

Courtesy Wendy Tague

Valencia Hannon, a senior at Elmont Memorial High School, recently qualified for the state championships in the 55-meter run, marking the fourth state qualifier for Hannon, who said she plans to become the New York State champion. The state championships are scheduled for March 3 at Cornell University.

Hannon also plans to compete in the 100-meter race in the spring at the outdoor state championships. Last June, she won the women’s 100-meter race at state, finishing in 11.88 seconds — a personal career record, as well as the fastest 100 in the state for 2011.

Recently, Hannon decided to attend Clemson University in South Carolina, over Syracuse and Mississippi State universities — a decision she thought about for several months — for fall 2012 admission. She was offered a full scholarship for Division 1 Track and Field by the school, and plans study health science and minor in business.

“I took many things into consideration before making my decision such as academics, the training style, the athlete and coach relationship, as well as my relationship with the team,” she said. “Another plus is my grandmother lives in North Carolina, so I have family close, which means Clemson isn’t so far from home. It means a lot to me to be able to have my family see me compete.”

Hannon has maintained an above-90 average in school while training, competing and taking AP-courses. She has been on Elmont’s Track and Field team since seventh grade, and runs year-round in various competitions.         Despite excelling athletically and academically, Hannon has remained humble about her success. “My parents have been with me every step of the way, and if they didn’t give me that extra push I don’t think I would be where I am today,” she said.