The Varsity Track and Field team advances one individual and one relay to the NYS Championship next weekend, June 13th and 14th, at Webster Schroeder High School.
Augie Lamm entered the NYS Qualifying Meet as the top seed in Class C after an unexpected scratch from a James O’Neill athlete. Despite only being a sophomore, he was able to make smart tactical decisions during the race and frequently puts himself in favorable positions at key moments. He ran extremely composed despite the pressure of being the top seed, even recovering after another athlete made accidental contact with him going into the last 100 meters of the race. Augie was able to stay on his feet, reaccelerate, and post the second fastest time of the season within Section 9 Class C with a 2:02.71.
The 4×800 relay (Quin Gideon, Kamyar Kemp, Neil Murray, Augie Lamm) also entered the NYS Qualifying meet as the top seed after going 2-0 against the next fastest squad from Ellenville. However, Ellenville brought their best performance by far and served as a significant challenge. Quin Gideon was able to hand off in the lead out of all Class C teams in the race; however, despite Kamyar running a significant personal best, Ellenville was able to move ahead and retain their lead through most of the third leg. An exceptionally strong close, and overall performance, by Neil allowed Augie to receive the baton back in first, which he maintained through the line. Augie (2:01.63), Neil (2:04.50), and Kamyar (2:09.31) all ran personal bests to post the overall fastest time in Section 9 Class C with an 8:24.57. It was a team effort, through and through, and the amount of patience each member showed by not panicking about an early deficit, combined with an exceptional amount of grit to close strongly, allowed Rhinebeck to finish on top.
Augie will compete on Saturday afternoon in the 800m, while the relay returns to action Sunday afternoon. Overall positioning and seeds for the meet will be posted later next week.
