Track Sends Seven To State Championship

Seven members of the Verona High School winter track teams qualified at the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 championships this past weekend to compete at the state group championships on February 14.

Chris Sweeney placed second in the 400m with a time of 52.8 and third in the 55m high hurdles in 8.47. Chris Yeates was second in the 55m in 6.81. The boys 4 x 400m relay team of Matt Intilli, Chris Yeates, Ryan Ramsthaler, and Chris Sweeney came in fifth at 3.44.

Cristina Calandra and Tara Hull both placed in pole vault, finishing second and fourth respectively with jumps of 8 feet, while Amanda Flores finished sixth in the 3200m in 12:39. The top six finishers in each event advance to the state competition. Verona placed fourth overall in the sectionals, which were held at the Bennett Center in Toms River.

Yeates, a sophomore, has been having a breakout year. He was the top seed in the 55m sectionals and will be the only sophomore representing the North division in the state meet; the other five finalists include two juniors and three seniors. His fastest time this year is a 6.6, which he turned in at the Bill Reid Invitational Meet on January 16.

Photos copyright Andy Yeates. Used by permission.