Thursday, October 1, 2026
Valley Stream North is far from the biggest high school on Long Island, but that hasn’t stopped its track and field teams from being some of the best in the state.
Both the Spartans’ boys and girls track team earned Nassau County Class B championships this winter, and featured multiple players at the New York Indoor State championship meet last Saturday.
“We did really well, especially for a school our size,” VSN head coach Tim Boyens said. “We are one of the smaller schools in Nassau County, and we were one of the teams that brought the most kids to the New York State Championships, which is a really great accomplishment.”
After see many of its team’s standouts graduate last spring, the VSN boys’ track and field squad managed to give the program an unexpected county title.
“I originally thought this year was going to be more of a rebuilding season for them,” Boyens said. “But, a lot of the younger guys we brought on this year really stepped up, and we also had great senior leadership. There were a lot of people that contributed towards this championship season.”
The Spartans were led by two key seniors: Captain Jarred Times was a standout field performer for the club, finishing second in the long jump at the county championships, and placing ninth in the triple jump at the state championships. Jake Catalano was one of Long Island’s best distance runners, finishing in second place in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter races at county championships.
The VSN girls managed to impress this winter, winning eight different events at the county championships. “Our girls’ team was just completely dominant from top to bottom,” Boyens said.
Senior Angeli Andre helped her team earn a county title, by winning the 300-meter race, high jump event and long jump event at Nassau Class B championship meet. She also went onto finish in 11th place in the high jump event at the state championships.
Senior Emily Martino was also a top performer for the Lady Spartans, placing in the top three in the 55 meter-dash, 300-meter race and 600-meter race at the county championships.
In just her freshman season, Juel Charles came away victorious in the shotput event at county tournament. She also finished in 16th place in the shotput event at states. After such a great debut season, Boyens has high hopes for his developing star. “She might be our next state champion,” he said. “She’s got a lot to learn, but she’s already very talented.”
Other standouts included juniors Miracle Onuoha, Yamile Eveilllard and Tyesha Irving.
