SPORTS

Cougars on the run at Kennedy invitational

Posted

Hundreds of athletes from Nassau and Suffolk counties converged last Saturday on Kennedy High School for this year’s Cougar Invitational.

More than 30 teams took part in track and field events from sprints to long-distance races, hurdles, shotput, discus, high and long jump, relays and more. With the meet not counting toward conference standings, the goal was to set personal records and have fun.

“The meet went fantastic … A lot of teams came out, we had beautiful weather, and it’s a very well-run meet between all the officials and our kids chipping in,” said Kennedy boys’ track coach Christopher Baker.

He particularly credited the performance of Kennedy sophomore Ryan Cummings, an up-and-coming talent who won the triple jump and placed second in the 110-meter high hurdles.

Kennedy girls’ coach Christopher Mammone said two-mile “elimination” races, in which the last-place runner in each lap is forced to drop out of the race, were big draws this year. The winner went home with a three-foot tall trophy. Mammone also thanked parents for their support of the Cougar Invitational, saying it was as strong as he had ever seen at the event.