New Balance Nationals Indoors

Isaiah Murray, Staff Writer

On March 9-11, the track team competed in the New Balance Indoor Nationals at the New York Armory. Coming into the event, the Gray Bees were able to qualify three teams: the 4x800m team, the sprint medley relay (SMR) team, and the 4x400m team. Each team were expected to become National Champions. However, in the middle of the season, the team took a turn for the worst as it lost a few members due to injuries: UDII Alfred Chawonza, UDII Lewis Ngwenya and SY Ian Simmons. Due to this step back, the team was not expected to accomplish much. Despite this though, the new SMR team, which consisted of SY Ian Joseph, UDII Isaiah Sanchez, SY Kaylan Depas, and UDII Jackson Burnett, were able to place 5th in their event and become All-American. The 4x800m team, however, were unable to race as they were unable to find any other replacements. Finally, in the 4x400m relay, the new team of SY Bramwell, Depas, Sanchez, and Burnett performed fast and placed seventh. However, the team got disqualified early in the race after Depas cut into the first lane too early.

Aside from the team events, Jackson Burnett also qualified for the individual 800m race. He ran a quick time of 1:55. Though, he did not beat his personal best, he did run a spectacular race. Overall, the team had a great showing despite any minor step-backs.