Lexie Tillman, Kennedy runner, has standout season

Just two years ago, Lexie Tillman was a sprinter who was afraid to run longer distances. She recently finished the cross-country season as Kennedy High School’s best female runner, speeding past hundreds of Nassau County girls to win four races this fall at Bethpage State Park.

“I’m really liking the 5K now,” Tillman said.

Tillman, a junior and Merrick resident, ran her fastest 5K so far, in 20 minutes 23 seconds, at the state qualifier meet on Nov. 1 at Bethpage. She placed 13th in her race — three spots shy of a trip to the state championship meet in Canton, N.Y. She and her coach, Chris Mammone, both said they were nonetheless proud of the performance.

“I was happy with my PR — a minute faster than last year,” Tillman said, referring to her personal 5K record.

Mammone sees plenty of opportunity for Tillman to continue improving. “I think she’ll be one of the top girls in the county next year,” Mammone said. “She’ll be real dangerous to race.”

Tillman said she played many sports while growing up, including softball, volleyball, soccer and tennis. Her natural athleticism eventually guided her to track. She didn’t participate in cross-country as a freshman, but success in middle-distance track events like the 800 meters made her decide to give it a shot as a sophomore.

A mild asthmatic, Tillman credited Mammone with helping her adapt to five- to seven-mile practices after school at neighborhood parks like Newbridge, Mill Pond, Ellen Road and Cedar Creek. She described her respiratory condition as “just another barrier to get over.”

“I have his words of inspiration in my head when I run,” Tillman said.

This summer, Tillman logged 500 miles as she trained for the cross-country season. She has forged friendships with Kennedy teammates and runners from other high schools, including Calhoun and Mepham, and plans to continue running in college.

“Sprinter Lexie was like a whole different person,” Mammone said. “She was holding back at first in cross-country until she gained confidence. Now she’s a completely different runner. She’s a lot fitter and really starting to learn how to race cross-country. When she races well, she’s in an infectious, happy mood after. That makes it rewarding as a coach.”

Tillman said she looks forward to building off this cross-country season’s momentum during winter track, with goals of breaking 5 minutes in the 1500 meters and 2:20 in the 800 meters.