Long Beach on winning track

After finishing the Conference II-A boys’ track and field regular-season schedule with a 12-2 record, Long Beach has its sights set on a division championship.

The Marines, who host the division meet Monday afternoon at their brand new facility at L.B. Middle School, are solid across the board and capable of scoring in every event.

“We have a lot of talented athletes,” coach Greg Milone said. “Our stiffest competition came right off the bat and we proved we can compete with the best. We had a four-team meet where we came up short to Calhoun by only eight points.”

Milone, who is assisted by Bill Gibson, said the narrow defeat to the perennial powerhouse Colts gave the Marines added motivation to succeed. “As coaches, we’re trying to convey to the kids that when we get off the bus, we’re looking to win,” he said. “The kids have worked hard and are able to push each other.”

Senior sprinters Josh Trone and Jaymen Teemer blazed to a 1-2 finish in the 100-meter dash in all but one regular-season meet. Trone’s best in the event so far this spring is 10.7 seconds, set at the Nassau Coaches meet April 30, while Teemer has run a 10.9. They’re also key parts of the 4 x 100 relay. “They’re both explosive with long strides and great finishing speed,” Milone said. “They’re close friends and very competitive with each other. Josh has been winning most of the 100s and Jaymen has an edge in the 200.”

Milone said Long Beach’s hurdlers and jumpers have reached another level under the guidance of Gibson. “Hurdling is an area we needed to improve in recent years,” Milone said. “We’ve dominated most meets. Coach Gibson is working closely with the kids and they’re all having great results.”