Blue Devil Boys’ Track Program Honors Top Seniors
With more than 20 athletes eligible to return to its ranks next spring, the Huntington boys’ track and field program seems to be well positioned to remain highly competitive, even though its longtime coach, Dennis Walker, won’t be back, having opted to retire from his teaching and coaching positions at the end of last June.
The Blue Devils finished the spring season with a 6-1 league mark behind a mix of seniors and underclassmen. Many of those seniors were with the program through fall, winter and spring seasons and will be missed. Walker said as much during an emotional farewell at the annual Blue Devil Senior Athletic Awards Banquet, where he recognized and honored his top seniors.
Walker cited Greg Brunner as one of the top seniors on the Blue Devil cross country and winter track teams, presenting him with an MVP Award. “This young man has been the cornerstone of our distance program for the past three years,” Walker told the banquet crowd. “He was selected team co-captain for all three seasons for the past two years and has obtained numerous All-League selections. We will miss his leadership, tall stories and lunches (from Burger King and Taco Bell).”
Ian Belanger shared MVP honors with Brunner after an impressive year. “Ian is our top sprinter,” Walker said. Belanger set a new school record in the 55m with a 6.87 FAT. He also excelled in the 100, 110 HH, 200, 300, 400 and 400m hurdles, as well as the triple jump, where he leaped 40’4. He was picked to the All-League squad during the winter track season, finishing second in the league and third in the 55m Suffolk Small Schools Championship. During the outdoor season he was a finalist in the state qualifier meet and reached personal bests in the 400m hurdles, 100m and triple jump and anchored Huntington’s 400m relay. “After four years he will be missed, not only on the track but as an outspoken leader,” Walker said.
Jimmie Garrett earned spring track MVP honors after establishing himself as one of the top sprinters and long jump specialists in Suffolk. He ran an 11.0 in the 100m and soared 21’4 in the long jump. Garrett earned All-League honors in the long jump, 200m and 400m relay. “We can always count on Jimmie to liven up practice with his baritone imitations,” Walker said.
Tyler Balzer, still another talented senior, was recognized for outstanding winter and spring seasons with an MVP Award. He set a new school record in the discus with a throw of 159’9, finishing first in the divisional meet and also sparkling in the shot put, setting a new indoor school mark with a 48’3 effort.
Chris Ambrosio was picked for the Most Improved Senior Award for his spring efforts. “He was our middle distance specialist, running the 400, 600, 800, 1600 and 3200 relays,” Walker said. “Chris recorded personal bests in all three events this year and obtained All-League honors indoors. Chris was our in house scout and every week he would write up a report for the team. We all looked forward to his insights and they were right on the money. Thanks for the memories.”
Walker leaves the program after nearly three decades at the high school. He intends to take a break from the daily grind, dabble in some personal training, spend time with his family and visit his 20-year old daughter, Alana, more often. She is a member of the Stanford University track and field team.
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