the Armory NYC in Manhattan. Photo by Katterina Shuba
By Derrick Touba Jr.
On January 28, 2023 the Yonkers Public Schools Track Team competed at the Westchester County Championships at the Armory NYC. Yonkers was well represented with 13 members competing at the meet, successfully earning 5 medals.
Leading the way was senior captain Ben Domingo who earned a silver medal in the 55 meter hurdles. In the preliminary rounds Domingo qualified for the finals with a time of 8.00, before returning with a blistering time of 7.89. Domingo now ranks 10th in the state in the event.
“I was happy with my new personal best at first but looking back my block start needs some work, that was the only difference between first and second” Domingo said on the performance Domingo, along with junior Ethan Arias and seniors Elroy Able and Akeem Carnegie also earned a medal in the 4×400 meter relay, finishing in fourth place. The team earned a new personal best of 3.39.08 which places them 8th in the section.
Carnegie, the anchor leg of the relay ran a 53.32 final split to seal the medal for Yonkers. When asked what contributed to the team’s success, Carnegie said “consistent hard work at practice”, which he anticipates will continue as they look towards lowering their rank near the top in the section.
Junior Captain Taylor-Rae Smith participated in the high jump, setting a personal best and new Yonkers Women’s Track and Field record with a height of 4 feet 10 inches. ”Getting over the bar is an unreal experience. I’m proud of myself, and I’m striving for even higher”. Smith said on her record breaking jump.
Smith tied for the fourth best jump at the meet, however due to the amount of attempts per jump finished 7th, just missing a medal. She’s now ranked the 7th best jumper in section 1 this season.
Other Notable Performers
Gabrielle Rowe: 55m Dash -7.66
Jenna Bertrand: 55m Dash- 7.91
Brianna Xolocotzi: Shot Put-25-7.5