Wilmer Benitez Paces Huntington Boys’ Track

Sophomore Wilmer Benitez sprinted to victory in the 55m dash at the Anthony Toro Frosh/Soph Championships at Suffolk-West in Brentwood on Saturday.

Benitez was formidable, getting off to a great start and motoring down the track in 6.83 seconds to claim a gold medal.

Spencer Sturges was fifth in the sophomore division of the 55m hurdles, finishing in a time of 8.89 seconds.

Sophomore Artturi Landau was seventh in the 600m run in a time of 1:36.05. Benitez also placed fifth in the long jump with a leap of 18-10.5 feet. Joshua Roman finished seventh in the sophomore shot put with a throw of 34-9.5 feet.

Huntington head coach Ronald E. Wilson is carefully bringing along his team, which includes a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers. All-State performer Titan Elysee recently returned from an injury.

In last week’s Millrose Games trials, Huntington qualified in the 4x400m relay’s Long Island division with a sixth place showing in a time of 3:31.99.

Huntington is eagerly anticipating the large school county championships, the state qualifier and the state championships, which will be held at the Ocean Breeze Track & Field Complex in Staten Island on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8.