Strong Seniors Power Blue Devil
Girls' Track
A talented group of seniors and several skilled underclassmen are expected to power the Huntington High School spring girls' track and field team this season.
"We have 12 strong seniors that are in the midst of their final spring season," said Jennifer Fudens, the Blue Devils' head coach. "They are working hard to leave a legacy. We have very strong and fast underclassmen working hard every day to improve on their talent. This should be a great season for Huntington. It will be our first season attending the Penn Relays and the St. Anthony's Invitational. The hope is to get our girls exposure for their talent on the track."
Senior Jennifer Polster "will be a top point scorer for the team," Fudens said. The teenager's events will include the 100m high hurdles, long jump and pole vault.
Senior Jontae Smith will contribute as a 400m runner. "Her goal is to break 60 seconds in the 400 and she is showing her desire in practice every day to get it done," Fudens said.
Seniors Maia Cadle Hinton and Michelle Devereaux are shot put specialists and consistent throwers who are both expected to be among the best in the league, if not Suffolk.
Cadle Hinton will join Raynisha Witherspoon in discus to give Huntington a powerful 1-2 combination. Both seniors have thrown over 100-feet this season.
Freshman Alexandra Koumas is capable of scoring points in most events. "She is a great, well-rounded athlete that is focusing on the 800m and 1500m," Fudens said. Freshman Latoya Shand is looked at as the top sprinter on the team.
Junior Christine Simpson is a top race walker who is practicing hard every afternoon on her form and reducing her time around the oval. Sophomore Suzie Petryk is outstanding in both the 1,500m and 3,000m. Sophomore Kiara Roman is also expected to be strong in the 3,000m.
Sophomore Maliyah Davis is a strong sprinter and long jumper and has also made dramatic improvements in pole vault. Freshman Savannah Richardson is the top jumper on the team and has started the season off in fine form, notching a new personal best in the high jump. "She is setting her goals high and putting in the work to achieve them," Fudens said. The teenager is also skilled in the triple jump.
"Our relays are strong all-around," said Fudens, who is assisted by Kevin Thornbourne. Against Comsewogue earlier this month, Huntington needed to sweep all three relays to win the meet. "All the girls knew how they needed to run and all of our relays came in first place," Fudens said.