Three local track athletes reach states

HARLEM VALLEY — Section IX sent three athletes to compete at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s track and field championships.

The two-day meet was held last Friday and Saturday at Vestal High School near Binghamton.

From Webutuck, senior Jimmy Boeding qualified in the 800m with a time of 1:55.7, as well as the 1600m with a time of 4:24.4. Both are personal records for the runner.

“He started running quicker and quicker throughout the season,� coach Pete Stefanowich said about Boeding during Webutuck’s spring sports awards ceremony held last week, where the athlete took home both awards for the boys team. “He deserves congratulations on a great career.�

Pine Plains sent two pole vaulters: senior Besnik Palushi, who reached 13’0 during Section IX qualifiers, and junior Julia Mizutani with 9’6.

It was Mizutani’s third state meet. Both Boeding and Palushi were heading to states for the first time, although both qualified for the indoor track meet this past winter.

All three athletes, interviewed before leaving for competition, said their regular seasons serve as preparation for the end of the year competition.

“For the most part the whole season was about upcoming runners,â€� Boeding said, explaining that as a senior it was important to put  yourself in a position of mentorship. “The personal achievement came along later.â€�

“With a smaller-sized school, you have to do multiple events at meets during the regular season,� Palushi said. “States are the only time in the whole year that you only do one event.�

The Pine Plains boys team had an exceptional season, earning the Section IX title for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Boeding said he’s looking to shave time off his personal records at states. Palushi and Mizutani said they’re just trying to stay relaxed and to have fun.

“If you put a specific height on it you’re not going to do well,� Palushi said. “You just have to focus on the technique and the heights will come.�

“It’s competitive, but everyone respects each other because they know they’re there for a reason,� said Mizutani.

“They’ve both done very well,� said Pine Plains coach Neil Murray, who echoed his athletes’ sentiments to stay loose. “That’s usually when you perform your best. And at this point the pressure’s off.�

State track results:

Following up from the weekend’s results, Boeding finished in 12th place in the 800m with a time of 1:58.71 and 18th in the 1600m with a time of 4:22.94. Palushi pole vaulted 12’0 to finish 25th.  Mizutani also finished 25th with a height of 9’0.

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