Calhoun relay sets record

Calhoun had its sights set on big accomplishments at the New York State Track and Field qualifying meet on June 3 and followed through by setting a new school record in the 4 x 800 meter relay.

The foursome consisting of juniors Casey Bader, Tim Campbell, Kenny Woo and James Panetta shaved two seconds off the previous school mark, finishing runner-up in 8:04.05. The Colts finished less than two seconds behind Port Washington, which had its anchor run a blistering 1:51. What stands out in the mind of Calhoun coach Dave Hendler, however, isn't necessarily the final result, but how the relay team arrived at it.

Rather than enter as individuals in a number of other events, the four decided to race as a team where there was potential for more than just one or two to benefit. In doing so, they also prevented themselves from wearing down by not participating in other races or field events. "It's just the way the kids are," Hendler said, noting their focus on team gain over individual accolades. "They just wanted to race for whatever would make the most of them happy, even if it set one guy back [in the long run].

"I think it's passed down [the team mindset]. The seniors keep on passing it down and the younger kids pick up on it."

The benchmark broken by the relay team had a shelf life of just one year, as last spring's senior-laden 4 x 800 ran 8:06.

The record-breaking performance put an exclamation mark on a successful season for Calhoun on both the cross-country trails and indoor and outdoor tracks. The Colts finished sixth out of 17 teams at the Nassau Class AAA championships at Mitchel Athletic Complex on May 26. Even the absence of top runner Kevin Harvey, who missed the last several weeks of the spring due to a knee injury, couldn't derail Calhoun.

Senior Bobby McGetrick took second in steeplechase (9:56.8), finishing just one-tenth of a second behind Great Neck South’s Daniel Siegel. The two barreled down the stretch with Siegel leaning just far enough ahead at the tape for the title. "[McGetrick] was leading after the last hurdle and they both dove at the tape," Hendler said. "It was so close."

The 4 x 800 relay, which ran fresh at the state qualifier, still turned in a solid performance at Mitchel, taking fifth (8:11.5). Prior to running the relay, several members were busy racking up All-County honors in other events. Panetta took second in the 3,200 (9:36.9) and Campbell (4:25.3) finished third in the 1,600.

Calhoun’s girls’ team was led this spring by juniors Bernadette Gruol (second in Class AAA in high jump) and Valerie Vancol (second in shot put, third in discus.)