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DHS track athletes on to finals at sectionals

NIAGARA FALLS — The Dunkirk Marauders took their qualified track and field athletes to the first day of the Section VI State Qualifier Meet at Niagara Falls High School on Friday and had some decent results.

“We had only three athletes in events that were finals today,” Dunkirk track coach Adam Woelfle said Friday. “Devin Eddy and Issiah Velez were in the long jump and Anthony Ruiz was in the 3200 run. Velez unfortunately was dealing with some foot pain and didn’t have his best day and finished out of the top eight.

“Eddy made it into finals and ended up finishing sixth with a jump of 19’8”. Not too bad for jumping into the wind,” Woelfle continued. “Ruiz ran a strong 3200 in the heat. Unfortunately the heat was not conducive for the distance runners. He finished eighth. Still very respectable, and the temperatures were in the 80’s with a lot of humidity.”

As for athletes running trials on Friday, Velez was strong in the 100 and will be returning for today’s final. Jericha Petrella ran a strong 400 to get herself into the finals as well, and Emilee Hanlon will be back after a good performance in the 200. The girls 4×100 relay of Octavia Porter, Jessica Beehler, Petrella, and Hanlon will also be returning for the finals.

“Unfortunately due to an injury the boys 4×100 will not be back. It’s unfortunate about the injury, but the plus side is three of the boys are juniors and will be back next year, and Velez was the anchor and still has his shot to extend his season,” Woelfle said.

Besides those races, Sierra Jacques and Julia Fred will compete in the 2000 steeplechase today, while Ruiz will be in the 3000 steeplechase. Andre Lockett, Ethan Yannie, Efrain Santiago, and Ruiz will be running the boys 4×8, and Hanlon will be competing in both the long and high jumps.

“Our kids have good chances at qualifying for the state meet,” Woelfle concluded. “I’m also hoping for a bit cooler temperatures at least in the beginning for those two long races. It should be a good day on the track.”

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