Finley Boys’ Track Enjoys Successful Season

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys’ track and field team enjoyed another successful season. New uniforms made the squad look sharp and feel ready to compete. Individual best times continued to improve throughout the spring. The team displayed fine sportsmanship, too, supporting each other during events as well as cheering for opposing athletes.

The 25 member team was coached by Christopher Helmke and Jonathan Garland. The team practiced at Finley and held home meets at Huntington High School.

Top athletes included:

• Greg Brandine, Grade 8: 55m, 100m, 800m, High Jump

• Franklin Mulvaney, Grade 8: 800m, 1500m, Shot Put

• Billy Oliva, Grade 8: 400, Long Jump

• Lucas Coby, Grade 7: 55m, 100m, Shot Put

• Will Dease, Grade 7: 55m, 100m, 200m, Shot Put

• Rylan Hook, Grade 7: 100m, Shot Put, High Jump

“This year’s team posted a high number of participants for boys’ track with lots of enthusiasm to compete,” Helmke said. “Exciting competition was evident in the field events, particularly high jump, long jump and shot put among our seventh and eigth graders.”

Finley had meets against Smithtown Nesaquake, Smithtown Accompsett, Oldfield, Babylon, West Babylon, Kings Park, Brentwood and Elwood.

“Many runners stood out this season and battled on the track for first place wins,” Helmke said. “Greg Brandine and Lucas Coby proved to be lightning-fast sprinters in 55m and 100m events. Franklin Mulvaney and Will Dease continued to stay with the competition in distance running as they improved their times in the 800m and 1500m run. Thanks to our coaches, dedicated athletes and supportive parents, we had a successful season that allowed our boys to improve throughout the season.”

Finley’s goals for next year include continuing to attract motivated athletes and maintain a high level of dedication, sportsmanship and teamwork.