Point of attack

Milestones, new records and elevated performances at West Point track meet

By RICHARD A. ROSS

WEST POINT, NY — It’s a rarity these days to see Division III Monticello at the same track meet at West Point with Division V’s Sullivan West, Eldred, Liberty and Tri-Valley. So with all of them under the same roof at the Gillis Field House, the midseason encounter was well worth the trip.

The evening began on an auspicious note as Sullivan West’s Rachel Deppa set a new school record in the 1500 race walk with her 8:08.40 first-place finish that broke a high-water mark previously held by Olivia Seidl. Then, in one of the night’s biggest surprises, Liberty junior Jessica Dunnigan beat Millbrook’s Rachel Pierantozzi, the reigning champion in the 55, with a time of 7.91. Pierantozzi has been virtually unbeatable up to this point. Dunnigan also won the triple jump (33-09) and the long jump (15-11) for a sweep of her events.

More Division V girls milestones included a win by Sullivan West’s Danielle Myers in the 300 (11:38.32). Teammate Rianne Erlwein (11:39.10) was right behind in second place. Sullivan West’s Kendra Barker won the high jump (4-10), while Eldred’s Diana Schombs won the pole vault (8-0). Schombs, who participates in the Hudson Valley Flying Circus Pole Vault Club and trains with legendary coaches Hugh Cauthers and Tim St. Lawrence, jumped 9-3 a week ago. Cauthers and St. Lawrence have a combined 53 years of track coaching experience between them at Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick, respectively.

Tri-Valley’s Emma Tingley took second in the 55 hurdles (10.09). Sullivan West’s Hannah Feinman was third (10.24). In the 4x800 relay, Sullivan West was second (11:09.43). Rival Tri-Valley was third (11:27.30).

In boys Division V action, Liberty senior Tim Burgio won the long jump (20-04.75). Eldred’s Kwame Agyapon was second (18-02.75), with Sullivan West’s Kyle Flynn in third (17-04.75). Sullivan West’s Mark Tessseyman won the shot put (42-05,50). Tri-Valley’s Brendan Moore won the 55 in a speedy 6.90. Eldred’s Gerald King was second (7.12). Moore came back to win the 300 as well (38.69). Liberty’s Ryan Harnish was second in the 300 (30.38) with Sullivan West’s Shaughn Goggin in third (40.87). Tri-Valley’s boys took second in the 4x800 relay (9:26.33). Eldred was third (9:36.78) and Liberty was fourth (10:17.71). Eldred’s Hunter Proscia was first among his Division’s runners in the 3200 (10:18.70). Teammate Alex Campanella was right behind him (10:19.09). Proscia took second in the 1000 (2:54.58). Tri-Valley’s Andrew Malone was second in the 55 hurdles (9.51).

Monticello makes strides in

Division III encounter

Monticello’s Dave Wilbur won the 3200 (10:08.66). Shane Jackson took first in the 55 (6.90). Matt Rod-rigez won the 300 (39.65) with Onique Taylor in fifth (400.96). In girls action, Kristen Harrington took third in the 1000 (3.29.08). Anna Loor took third in the 3200 (12:48.08). Tinia Walker was third in the 300 (49.53).

Results from a number of events were not posted by the end of the meet and due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, were not online at the time of this writing.

Visit sportsinsightsny.com for more on the meet and an album of photos.