Blue Devils Race in Shelter Island 10K
The spring track season might be over, but don’t tell that to senior Nick Sherman or junior Scott Gulizio. The two Blue Devil track stars joined Huntington High School coach Shawn Anderson in the Shelter Island 10K last Saturday night and turned in outstanding performances.
“This race is always a fun time, with a post-race party and lots of elite African and American legends in the running community making appearances,” Anderson said. “A staple at the event has been marathon great Joan Benoit Samuelson. She was there again this year, winning top female masters honors.”
Boston Marathon champion Mebrahtom Keflezighi also competed last weekend and finishing fourth. The Eritrean-born runner, who is known simply as “Meb,” is the first American to win the Boston Marathon since 1983. He won a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics, captured the 2009 New York City Marathon and was fourth in the 2012 Olympics, but on Shelter Island last weekend he was a mere mortal.
The Huntington contingent experienced something quite unique on Shelter Island. “The community really makes this event as they close down traffic and everyone comes out to celebrate,” Anderson said.
Sherman was very impressive in his first 10K ever. The teenager finished second in the 19 years old and under age group and was among the top runners in the entire race. Sherman’s time of 35:36 equates to a 5:40 per mile pace.
Gulizio finished fourth in the 19 and under age group with a time of 37:41 and was also among the race’s top runners. “Scott is more of a middle distance runner,” Anderson said. “He never ran a 10K before. He stuck with me and paced off me. We went through 5K at 18:30 and he held on for a fantastic time.”
The 31 year old Anderson captured first in his age group (30-34 years old) with a time of 37:31 and was among the top three percent of all runners in a very tough field. It marked a personal best time on the course for the Huntington coach.
Following the race Anderson was able to speak with Keflezighi. “It was a humbling experience to chat with him and shake his hand,” Anderson said. “He is a genuinely warm hearted man and loves representing our country.”
Anderson was both proud and pleased with the effort turned in by Sherman and Gulizio. “It was fun sharing the experience with the young men,” he said.