Sachem East Girls Track Expecting Big Spring

Coming off the winter season, where the Sachem East’s girls track team was ranked No. 8 in New York State (5 in Class A) with five All-State selections and a Sachem record four All-Americans, the level of excitement couldn't be any higher for the spring season.

“The prospects look great, but as always, the challenges are always present,” said Sachem coach Pete McNeil.

With some winter athletes moving on to other sports in the spring, and with some basketball players, Arrowettes, and new talent joining up for the spring, the challenge will be one of combining the pieces of the puzzle into one cohesive unit. A unit consisting of 100 plus pieces, placed in such a way as to best cover the 18 events that are contested in a typical track meet. Who will step up this season to help meet the challenge?

Certainly there are a number of veterans expected to be impact players. The accomplished throws squad, led by Suffolk County finalists Brittany Sepe, Gabby Trejo, and Pam Emengo will be joined by powerful hoops player Diamond Jackson.

Christina Schretzman also returns from the hardwood to the track and will join Sam Maurice, Alyssa Naer, Maddy Egan, and Kayla Garry at the high jump apron. With Ebonie Lewis still recuperating from a knee injury, Essence Sterling and Ashley Mercado will be leading the way in the sprints. Both Sterling and Mercado will also be doing jump duty, with Amanda Sluzewski, Kayla Garry, and Sam Eng expected to contribute.

Senior Sam Eng is also expected to lead the short hurdle squad, with Jess Grassi, Shannon Haberkorn, and Paige Picascio right on her heels. The long hurdles will be led by All-Americans Ally Figalora and Melanie Notarstefano, while the return of All-Division Pole Vault veteran Amanda Zaput will bolster a squad that includes 5 freshman- including Stephanie Curtin who placed 12th at the State meet this past winter.

As always, Sachem East's signature event will be the Racewalk. All-State Kelly Maranchuck may lead the squad, but with Holly Lindoe, Alyssa Furlani, Amanda Catherall, and Sarah LaPorta all ranked in the top 20 in Suffolk County, the East team will be looking to score major points here in both dual and championship meets.

The team will be anchored by the distance squad with All-Americans Rachel Paul and Laurie Semetsis, and 3,000-meter specialist Danielle Vasquez leading the charge. Nationals qualifiers Shannon O'Hehir, Nicole Silvestre, and Katie Hempfling will be joined by a large supporting cast. Count Jayda Allen, Brenna McGuire, Kaitlyn Demartino, and Meaghan Murphy among those looking to make some noise.

The season begins with a bang as East travels to face defending League and Division Champ Northport on April 4 for what could very well decide the League 2 Championship. Other exciting meets will be the duals with Sachem North (April 18) and Ward Melville (May 8, senior day), and the Penn Relays (April 27) and Eddy Games (May 19) overnight trips.