Yonkers Track Star Qualifies For Nationals, Aims For State Title

Ben Domingo, photo by teammate Katterina Shuba

By Derrick Touba Jr.

Yonkers hurdler Ben Domingo is headed into the New Year as a New Balance Nationals competitor. On December 29, 2022 the Yonkers Public Schools Track Team competed at the Armory Holiday Classic hosted at the Armory Track in Manhattan.

Senior captain Ben Domingo, who will be running for Manhattan College next year, headed into the season with two goals on his mind; qualify for states and nationals in the 55 meter hurdles. Domingo said  “Ever since my freshman year, I always wanted to make it to nationals and race the best of the best”.

In the Preliminary rounds Domingo ran 8.01, a new personal best to qualify for the finals. In the finals Domingo achieved a time of 7.91, another personal best, placing him 4th in the finals to earn himself a medal. Along with this podium finish he qualified for New Balance Nationals that will be taking place at The Track at New Balance in Boston, Massachusetts.  “ I looked at the time and saw that I made it and was so happy and waved to my boys, relieved to have extended our season together” Domingo explained about the emotions he felt after the feat.

Even though he has achieved great success, Domingo remains ambitious, aiming to not only qualify for states this February, but win the state title. He says “I don’t just want to settle for making it to states, I want to win”. Domingo currently ranks 8th in the state, and hopes to end the season as the number one hurdler in New York.