By:MELISSA O'HARA
Three Valley Stream residents go all the way to the Empire State Games
Representing Valley Stream and Long Island athletes were three Valley Stream boys whose talent took them to the Empire State Games last month.
Nick Kroll, Peter Classi and Patrick Bradley were among 4,000 or so athletes who competed in their respective sports after opening ceremonies in upstate Utica on July 25.
Running the 800-meter in two minutes flat and placing fourth was Nick Kroll. "This was the first time I tried out [for the Empire State Games] and I ran in it," said Kroll.
A senior from South High School, Kroll is a spring and winter track runner for their team. He competed in the scholastic competition, which is the category for athletes up to 12th grade.
"It was a good competition and a great experience. You got to see who is doing what," said Kroll.
He began his running career in junior high school and has also received a third place medal in the winter state games for the 1000M International medley rely. "I am looking forward to improving when I run for school this year," he said. He sees no end to his running career and plans on continuing to run in college.
"The whole experience was great to be up there with 6,000-plus athletics; it was great," Kroll said.
Peter Classi, another South High athletic star, was selected for the second time as a starter for the Long Island Scholastic Soccer team.
Classi, a mid-fielder, was one of 16 players selected to play on the team, after competing in three tryouts. Classi and his teammates played in three scheduled games but did not place in the competition.
"It is kind of disappointing that we did not place but we played well," said Classi.
The team played against five other regional teams from around New York. "I was proud to play. There was a lot of talent in all sports and it is nice to represent the athletes of Long Island," said Classi.
Playing soccer since the age of 4, Classi has been on South's team as a forward and will be a center mid-fielder this fall. He also finds time to play on the Albertson Animals, where he just had a tournament on August 10 to the 12.
"I hope to definitely play soccer in college and for next year I will most likely tryout for the open category," said Classi.
Patrick Bradley, a May graduate of Kellenberg Memorial High School, proved he has what it takes to throw the javelin. During his four years of high school, he received 38 medals for javelin, discus and shot put.
Competing for his second time in the Empire State Games and for the first time in the Open Category, Bradley was one of two javelin throwers. He placed sixth in competition, with a throw of 153 feet, 8 inches, up from 18th place last year.
"It is a great honor to be in the games, even when I did badly I was always determined to be better," said Bradley.
He will continue to throw the javelin at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, where he will study History. "I hope to hit 200 feet by next year. if I can throw that distance, I can medal at the games," said Bradley.
The Empire State Games have been held every year since the torch was first lit in 1978. More than 40 states have instituted games programs, attracting nearly half a million participants each year.
The annual event features top athletes from each region in New York who compete in 28 different sports categories in the scholastic, open and masters divisions.
Brian Dessart contributed to this story.
