Seniors, experience lead Governors to success
Like many boys outdoor track and field teams in the Southern Connecticut Conference, the Wilbur Cross boys track team has a long history of success, blessed with talent and depth.
The 2019 season is no exception as it enters the postseason with a regular season 6-4 dual meet record.
“Successful programs are built around student-athletes who commit to, and are a part of, a program for several years,” Wilbur Cross boys coach Travis Gale said. “This year’s team is no different. The Governors are led by a group of 16 seniors, many of whom have been a member of the track program (including cross country and indoor track) for several years.
“These seniors include Jasiah Barnes, Nassiah Betancourt, Elliot Faulkner, Eamon Hill, Musa Hussain, Henry Hall, Travis Martin, Noah Lee, Chris Nishimura, and Mike Tramontano. They all haven’t only been a member of the program for several years, but they are among our team pointscoring leaders as well.”
Other contributing seniors who returned this season are Joe Sarango, Jimmy DeLucia and Jurrell Savage, as well as newcomers LeShaun Hicks, Enasj Jones, and Justin Tomlinson.
Among the top senior performers for the Governors has been Martin who has developed into one of the top long distance runners in the state in the 1600 and 3200.
“While it is difficult to replace 16 seniors, standout underclassmen Caleb Owen, Devin Cue, and Armon Hyslop have made significant contributions on the track,” Gale said. “Newcomer Torrance Grimes has contributed in the throwing events. We look to remain competitive throughout the postseason (SCC meet, CIAC Class LL, State Open) and in the future due to a eager and hardworking group of underclassmen.”
SHELTON BOYS WIN SCC EAST...AGAIN
Rain that has plagued the area the past week held off on Tuesday, officials were able to get in the Southern Connecticut Conference East Sectional meet and once again the Shelton boys dominated for a third straight SCC East team title.
The Gaels came away with six wins at the meet and won the team title with
125.50 points. The Gaels also won the SCC East Sectional meet in 2018 with
113 points and won it in
2017 with 117 points. Robert Dillon was a double winner in the individual events with a victory in the
1600 (4:19.51) and the 3200
(9:41.10). Michael Rodia won the 100 dash (10.98), Joshua Sacoto won the 800
(1:59.60), Stephen Ibekwe won the triple jump (416.75) and the Gaels won the
4x100 relay in 42.79.
The West Sectional was held on Wednesday at Bowen Field in New Haven and the SCC Championship meet will be held at Lyman Hall in Wallingford on Monday at 2 p.m.