By Jason Lynch
Lynbrook was led by a core group of seniors, complimented with a developing squad of promising underclassmen. Senior captains Ryan Perlowin, Andrew Martini, James Gamrat and Sean Anderson provided the leadership necessary to maintain focus and hard work throughout the long season. Each battled injuries at some point in the year, varying in degree, and came around strong at the end of the season, when it counted most.
Senior Mike Artuso followed up a brilliant winter campaign to provide reliability in each event ranging from the 800-meter to the 3200-meter. Fellow senior Jon Truitt overcame a slow start and finished the season All-County in the 3200-meter and matched his impressive mile time from junior year.
The distance events were also unexpectedly contributed to by senior Andrew Wong, who finally blossomed in his last track season and ran to the potential he showed as an underclassman.
Another unanticipated addition was sophomore Brendan Brethel, who rose to the top of the county in the mile and steeplechase, where he consistently ran the fastest times on the team, until the final meets of the season.
The middle-distances were led by senior Jordan Broome, who provided a stellar leg on the 4x400-meter relay, as well as the open 400-meter. Senior Steve Fusswinkel, and juniors Brendan Gannon and Joe Macaluso rounded out the relay and all had fantastic seasons at the same distance. Freshman Eddie Lopez showed his imposing range, running great times in both the 400- and 800-meter.
Senior Martini had a good season in the 400IH, despite being hampered by injuries to his foot. Junior Truitt improved dramatically in the past year, in the same event, to complete a fantastic season.
The sprinting squad displayed its tremendous work ethic, defeating several highly regarded teams during the course of the season in the 4x100-meter relay. It was led by juniors John Gamrat and Mark Miccio, and seniors Mike Mongeluzzi and Sean Anderson. They look to come back with another reputable relay next year with the two returning juniors and promising freshman Andrew Bellinger. The field events supplied a plethora of points at every meet of the season, with tremendous progress across the board. Perlowin had a great year high-jumping, though he unfortunately missed two important weeks due to a hamstring injury. Junior Tom Carroll added another great high-jumper to the mix in his second season at the event. Mongeluzzi had unprecedented success in the long jump, improving by a foot at the county meet. Senior Joe Vulpetti also competed well in the long and triple jumps.
The throws were a vital part of the team's success, led by juniors Mario Tobar and Matt Stern. The duo improved as the season advanced and provided a core of points that the team could always count on.
Seniors Peter Fetzer and Chris Viemeister had breakout seasons, as well, qualifying for the county meet and making big contributions when it counted.
The 2005 spring track season was a much needed stepping stone for Lynbrook that offered the first step to becoming a dominating factor in the county. The true character of the team will be seen next year when the spring season rolls around again, and that dream of a spring county title once more becomes an opportunity.
The next step is cross country, when the first ruby of the Triple Crown can be obtained and the unthinkable can be achieved. It's a long, tough road, but there's no better team to try.
Editor's Note: Jason Lynch is a sophomore at Lynbrook High School.
