Hannah’s strong showing earns award
Ballston Spa indoor track and field coach Garry Preece does not impress easily. You need to do something special and Isaiah Hannah has easily met those standards.
In a season filled with superlative outings, Hannah delivered a pair of victories Jan. 28 at Union College competing in the Division II sectional championships. The senior took first in both the 45-meter sprint (5.74 seconds) and 50 hurdles (7.18), both personal records, and also helped the 800 relay squad finish second.
Hannah is next set to compete Sunday in the state qualifiers at Hudson Valley Community College.
“I am happy to get to up against the people I am,” Hannah said. “I am expecting a pretty good challenge in the hurdles and the 55.”
Many of the area’s premier competitors consider Union College as a slower track compared to others. Hannah posting two personal-best efforts pleased him.
“He is also about the nicest kid you could possibly meet,” Preece said.
For his efforts, Hannah has been selected as the Times Union’s Boys’ Athlete of the Week for Jan. 23-29.
In addition to excelling at the weekly Tri-county Indoor Track League events during the winter, Hannah also finished second in December at the Boston Holiday Challenge in the 55 hurdles in 7.96. Shenendehowa standout Jason Colindres came in third in that event.
“I think the hurdles have improved a lot since outdoors. I didn’t do indoor season the previous year,” Hannah said. “Working on the short distance helped me. I know I have speed in general, so the (sprints) didn’t surprise me. Hurdles is definitely a pleasant surprise.”
Preece, also the longtime boys’ soccer coach at Ballston Spa, said Hannah has put in extra effort with his strength and conditioning. That work was further aided in multiple ways serving as a running back and safety for the varsity football team.
“A lot of the guys I work with are from football, so it is really good to get to compete with them,” Hannah said. “It helps push me. I help push them.”
Hannah, who is looking forward to competing at the state indoor championships that are being held on March 4 at Staten Island’s Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, would first like to produce some solid showings Sunday at HVCC.
“I am very excited. I am hoping to get to nationals,” Hannah said.