Long Beach track continues success

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Edged by Manhasset for the Conference 2 title, Long Beach parlayed a 12-1 regular-season record into a strong finish in the Division 1A boys’ track and field championships.

“We had a very strong season,” Long Beach coach Greg Milone said. “Manhasset, us and Mepham were all undefeated heading into the last meet. We came up 3 ½ points short but it wasn’t because of a lack of effort. All the kids performed at or near their best.”

The Marines had a handful of multi-event scorers in the division meet, led by junior Tristan Groh who was runner-up in the 400 meter run (52.84 seconds), fifth in the 200 (23.99) and keyed the 4x400 relay which placed third. “Tristan came up big all year,” Milone said. “He could be one of the top 400 runners in the county next year. He wants to break 50 seconds and had a best of 51.7 this season.”

Senior hurdler Finian Ashmead scored in the 400 and 110 events, placing fifth. Senior Luke Esformas took third in the 400 in 1:01.02. “Luke is an exceptional student-athlete headed to Duke,” Milone said. “He’s a top volleyball player and also a great skier and musician. He worked hard all season and scored big points in every meet.”

Senior Thomas Rutherig and juniors Richard Lilly, Jack Palmer and Jake Smith also scored in a pair of individual events in the division meet. Rutherig was fourth in the shot put, an event he tried for the first time this spring, and placed fifth in the discus. “I wish Thomas started the shot put sooner because he really embraced it,” Milone said. “He’s strong and talented.”

Lilly tied for fourth in the pole vault (with Smith) and was fifth in the long jump, Palmer tied for fifth in the high jump and was sixth in the triple jump, and Smith picked up sixth in the 100 meter dash. Sophomore Jared Weissberg came through with a personal best in the high jump and took third.

“We came within a few points of finishing a couple of spots higher, but all in all it was a good day,” Milone said. “I know the kids were disappointed about coming up short in the conference meet, but we set the bar high.” 

Lady Marines on the upswing
Senior Sam Chase won the division championship in the shot put and placed fifth in Nassau Class AAA in the event to lead Long Beach’s girls’ program this spring. Her winning heave in the division meet was 32-feet, 3-inches.

Sophomore sprinter Jasmine Johnson was third in the division in the 100 (13.54) and sixth in the 200. Junior Emily Rivera finished fourth in the discus, while senior Jessica Marcote was fifth in the shot put. The Lady Marines went 7-6 in Conference 2.