Thompson Up And Over 13-3.50 At Molloy Stanner Games

By Brian Towey of DyeStat

NEW YORK -- Warwick NY pole vaulter Kaeli Thompson recently announced her college commitment to Duke University. 

And with her clearance Saturday of US#2 13 feet, 3.50 inches (4.05m) at the Molloy Stanner Games at The Armory, her prospects keep rising. At the time of Thompson's clearance, her mark was the national leader, before Chloe Cunliffe of West Seattle WA cleared 13-9.25 (4.20m) later in the day at the Washington Indoor Preview.

"It's a big relief," Thompson said of her college decision. "It's a lot of pressure off of me. Last year I definitely put a lot of pressure on myself to get to that 13-foot mark because I knew to be recruited at a high level I'd have to hit that mark."

Her hard work has paid off.

RESULTS

"Her strongest qualities are her work ethic," said Tim St. Lawrence, who coaches Thompson with the Flying Circus Pole Vault Club. "She trains six days a week. She put in a tremendous fall season. … Her spirit is her weapon. She believes she can do a lot of things. She has a lot of confidence, which not a lot of kids have."

Thompson tried twice for a 13-6 clearance Saturday, a mark she could not reach. But given her work ethic and sturdy, 6-foot frame, her future in the event bodes well.

"Being a 6-foot girl, 6-foot in height, allows her to out-grip other girls who are 5-4, 5-6," St. Lawrence said.

Katelyn Tuohy of North Rockland NY, who ran an indoor PR time of 4:39.15 in the mile on Wednesday at the NYRR Millrose Games Trials, returned in a different race Saturday. She chased down Ward Melville NY anchor Briana Grant on the anchor leg of the 4x800 relay for a dramatic 9:31.14 to 9:33.56 win.

"It felt good to have the baton in my hand again," said Tuohy, whose 2:09 leg cinched the North Rockland win for teammates Haleigh Morales, Leyla Ventura and Catherine Ruffino. "We were able to get the win in a US#3, so we're super proud as a team."

Tuohy is still considering running the NYRR Millrose Games High School Mile on Feb. 9.

"It's up in the air right now," Tuohy said. "My first priority is the 3K on the 26th (Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge). I'll run in that and I'll evaluate from there."

Mt. Sinai NY's Kenneth Wei was named the meet's most outstanding performer, hitting 24 feet in the long jump on his final attempt and winning the 55-meter hurdles in 7.47 over St. Augustine NJ's Sincere Rhea (7.52).

"I only started jumping seriously a year ago," Wei said. "In my second meet indoors last year I long jumped for the first time and did about 21 feet. I just took it from there."

St. Benedict's NJ senior Alfred Chawonza took wins in the 1,000 meters (2:31.93) and in the 600 meters (US#2 1:20.26). 

"I was disappointed I couldn't get US#1 one in the 600," Chawonza said. 

He and teammate Jackson Burnett (second in the 1,000 in 2:32.39)  showed their fitness following a 7:47.60 4x800 relay Dec. 28. 

In one of the day's most exciting races, Mount Sinai NY senior Sarah Connelly held off Randolph NJ's Abby Loveys in the invitational girls 3,000 in US#2 9:47.38 to 9:50.62. 

"I knew she was good when I saw her form," Connelly said of Loveys, who stuck with Connelly the entire way. "I knew it would come down to just a kick."

Northport NY senior Sean Ryan (9:26.22) self-assuredly won the boys 3,200.

"I think it's more of with all of (last year's seniors) being gone, my progress is more noticeable," Ryan said. "I think I've been able to focus on coach a lot more. Last year I ran 4:18 and almost made the (NBNO champion) 4x800 relay team. Now I'm more confident I can beat most guys."

Mt. Sinai NY's Kaitlyn Chandrika won the girls 1,000 (2:59.44) over Sachem North NY's Jordan McDonnell (2:59.63).

Randolph NJ ran US#4 35.38 in the  girls 4x55 meter shuttle hurdle relay.

Ridge NJ ran US#4 8:01.76 in the boys 4x800.