At the recent state outdoor track and field championships, athletes from Section 1 showcased their exceptional prowess, with several individuals achieving remarkable feats and setting new benchmarks. The competition was a testament to the dedication and talent present in the region's high school sports scene.
Section 1 Athletes Dominate State Track and Field Championships
In a thrilling display of athleticism, John Jay-Cross River High School's senior, Sloan Wasserman, etched her name into the annals of national and Section 1 history during last month's Loucks Games. Her astounding performance in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, clocking an initial time of 6:41.07, not only positioned her as the No. 1 national contender for the spring season but also propelled her into the prestigious No. 11 spot on the all-time national list. This remarkable achievement was further amplified at the state championships held at Webster Schroeder High School, where Wasserman, in her final outdoor state track and field championship, improved her time to 6:38.36. This new personal best elevated her to the No. 10 all-time national ranking and the No. 2 all-time in Section 1, surpassing former North Rockland luminary Alex Harris. Her time is now second only to Shelby Greany, the former Suffern star who clinched the 2009 state title with a time of 6:36.9. Wasserman's success was not solitary; she also anchored her team—Lila Rotter, Maya Serai, and Mia Haimelin—to Class B gold in the girls' 4x800 relay, further adding to her medal tally with a sixth-place finish in the Federation. Other Section 1 athletes also shone brightly. Bridget Dunn from Tappan Zee, committed to Div. I Furman, secured fourth in the Federation and third in Class B with a season-best 6:51.39. North Rockland’s Gaby Castro, bound for Div. I Florida Atlantic, achieved a personal best of 6:52.47, earning fifth in the Federation and first in Class A. Molly Pool of Arlington also medaled, finishing sixth in Class A with a time of 7:08.26.
North Rockland's Claudel Chery delivered an equally electrifying performance in the boys' 1,600-meter run. Surpassing his previous personal best from the prior year, Chery recorded an astounding 4:08.19, clinching national-No. 1 high school time for 2026. This stellar achievement earned him gold in both the Federation and Class A categories, ranking him No. 3 all-time in Section 1. Pearl River's JD Lloyd McKenna also made waves, securing gold in Class B and an impressive fourth in the Federation with a personal-best 4:09.91. Scarsdale's Adriana Pettinelli demonstrated her formidable talent in the girls' 1,500-meter race, earning silver in both the Federation and Class A with a personal-best 4:21.09. In the pentathlon, John Jay-East Fishkill's Nate Johnson, a senior committed to Purdue, emerged victorious in both the boys' Class A public school title and the overall boys' Federation, accumulating 3,636 points. Other noteworthy performances included Sleepy Hollow's Gilbert Onwe, who won gold in the Class B triple jump, and Suffern's boys' 4x400 relay team, who captured two championships. Bronxville's girls' 4x800 relay team also secured gold in the public girls' Class C category. These myriad accomplishments highlight a vibrant and competitive track and field community within Section 1.
The recent state track and field championships served as a powerful reminder of the incredible dedication and talent fostered within Section 1's high school athletic programs. The record-breaking performances and numerous podium finishes are not merely individual triumphs but also reflect the strength of coaching, community support, and the relentless spirit of these young athletes. Their achievements inspire future generations and underscore the importance of investing in youth sports, which provide invaluable life lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and striving for excellence. As these athletes move on to collegiate careers, their impact on their high school communities will undoubtedly endure, motivating countless others to pursue their athletic dreams with the same passion and commitment.