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South High School Senior Chris Mammone accomplished his dream of winning a state championship on June 9 at Mitchel Field. Although his main race has been the 3,200-meter, he decided to run the 3,000-meter steeplechase for fun. Since his debut he has excelled at the race.
On June, Mammone rose to the occasion by running his fastest 3,000-meter steeplechase time of the year, 9:35, earning him first place in New York State Class B. The steeplechase always attracts many spectators, mainly because of the water jump on every lap.
Mammone placed third in the 3,200-meter race June 8. His time of 9:22 was one his fastest during the season and he earned All-State status in both events.
The boys 4 x 800-meter relay team placed eighth in Class B. Mammone was the leadoff leg and ran well as he passed the baton to Andy Yun, who ran one of his fastest times all season.
Senior Mike Apap ran the third leg and sped his way around the track. Each lap he passed more and more people and his desire to win helped give him a final kick in the last 100 meters. Anchor leg Nick Kroll exploded as he received the baton in 6th place. On the first lap he passed two kids. Although the teams in front of South had a big lead Kroll wasn't done yet, he had a lot left in him. He caught up to both teams and then performed an amazing 200-meter kick passing both teams. His split of 1:57 was the fastest ever for him and is one of the fastest times ever at South. The 4 x 800-meter relay time of 8:18 was their best time by four seconds.
Sophomore Kristin Riverio placed 8th in the 800-meter race, her time of 2:25.67 was one of her fastest of the year. Riverio also was an important factor on the girls 4 x 800-meter relay race. Riverio was joined by Patty Izquierdo, Marjan Safary-Goudarzy and Nicole Eastzer to complete the 4 x 800-meter relay. They placed 9th against the best teams in the state and their time of 10:05 was one of their best for the year.
