Archive: Sports

Senior Lansing distance runner Ryann Cretney, saved the best for last.  In the final race of an already outstanding high school career, the talented harrier hurdled her way to a 2nd place showing in the Division II girls 2000m Steeplechase Saturday morning at the University of Buffalo.  When results were merged (all school sizes combined) she was able to sneak out a 6th place finish among all schools in NYS, earning her her first NYS Ferderation medal, a feat not easy to do coming from a small school.

Cretney’s time of 7:01.63 (FAT) smashed her own school record by more than 8 seconds.  Friend and rival, Erin Cawley of Newark Valley also had an outstanding day winning the Division II title in 6:53.19 (FAT).  Both ladies broke the Section 4 steeplechase record this weekend of 7:02, set by former Horseheads standout Alexis Lake.  Cawley and Cretney’s performances were the two fastest steeplechases Section 4 has ever seen.  They also rank among the top 10 fastest in the United States this year.

Ryann ran relaxed from the start in a field some would say is the best in the United States.  She gradually picked up the pace lap by lap, running negative split 400’s, a tactic that benefits runners, like her, who possess strength and commitment to gain ground on fading runners who lie ahead.  She was able to pick runners off rather handily and work her way into a Federation Medal.  It was simply the best race she has ever run.  Her hard work paid off when it counted.

On Friday, Senior Henry Potter placed 5th in the Division II Boys 800m, earning him his first NYS medal.  Potter’s time of 1:59.42 was a solid showing in broiling 88-90 degree heat that slowed these times down.  He was elbowed a bit and the start, but gained his momentum back on the second lap and charged strong down the final 100m.  He continues to learn more and more about this event and will most likely specialize between the 800m and Mile in college.  Potter will also try to qualify for the Empire State Games, next Saturday, June 21st, at Cicero North Syracuse High School in the post high school division.  He looks ready to challenge anyone.

Senior Carol Melice also competed well for Lansing.  The talented pole vaulter finished 11th overall in Division II with a height of 10’ 6”.  She has worked her way back into peak form in just a few short months.  Melice was injured most of the Indoor Season only vaulting 3 times.  Her hard work got her back to states, a place she has been no stranger to in the past.

Rounding out Lansing athletes, Junior Jeff Swayze had a good Friday at Buffalo.  Battling a stress fracture in his back most of the year, and now what doctor’s say may be a new one, he managed to fight off the pain for a respectable 10th place showing, with a heave a 48’ 5.75”.  Jason Connors of Solvay HS, won the event with a toss of 52’ 10.25”.  Swayze came into the meet with a personal best of 53’0.  Having him healthy he would have been right in contention for a Division II state title.  Give this Junior credit for showing up and competing.  He showed great sportsmanship for understanding that he still has a year left to impress.

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