News Summary

This past weekend, Middletown, NY hosted the state championships where local high schools showcased their athletic prowess in softball, baseball, and track events. Notable performances included Lillie Bogdan’s remarkable victory in the steeplechase, as well as impressive contributions from teams and athletes across multiple sports. The championships marked a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the emotional journeys of young athletes, as they concluded their high school sports careers on a high note.

Excitement in Middletown, NY as Local High Schools Shine in State Championships!

This past weekend, the vibrant city of Middletown was alive with energy as local high schools from all over Western New York converged for the highly anticipated state championships in softball, baseball, and track and field. It turned out to be a thrilling showcase of talent and athletic prowess, with several standout performances making headlines.

Lillie Bogdan Takes the Spotlight

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend came from Lillie Bogdan, a remarkable senior at Frontier High School. Not only did she defend her title as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association champion in the 2000-meter steeplechase, but she also clocked in at an impressive 6:34.34 seconds. This time was not just a personal best for her, it was the fastest time in the entire nation for this season! Lillie’s powerful performance saw her finish an astonishing 13 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, solidifying her status as a top athlete.

Reflecting on her stellar season, Lillie expressed gratitude for her teammates’ unwavering support during the race. Her perfect splits of 1:18.44, 1:18.87, 1:20.42, 1:20.05, and 1:16.58 clearly demonstrated her consistency and skill.

This win for Lillie also highlighted a significant achievement for Section VI, marking the fourth consecutive year they claimed both the state and Federation title in the steeplechase. Her teammate, Angelina Napoleon from Allegany-Limestone, was noted as a previous champion in 2022 and 2023.

Nyla Wilson-Epps and Janee Long Steal the Show in Track Events

Another incredible performance came from Tapestry senior Nyla Wilson-Epps, who clinched the championship in the discus throw with a remarkable toss of 144-3 on her final attempt after initially facing challenges in the competition. Meanwhile, teammate Janee Long triumphed in the Class C triple jump event, soaring to a distance of 39-4.50.

On the boys’ side, Maple Grove junior Ethan Verbosky shined brightly as he seized the Class C title in the 1600 meters and also emerged victorious in the Class C 800 run, finishing with times of 4:15.62 and 1:52.60 respectively, showcasing his exceptional versatility and speed.

Mixed Fortunes for East Aurora

In a roller coaster of emotions for East Aurora, the girls’ 4×400 relay team experienced a disheartening turn of events. Initially celebrating what they thought was a victory, they found their joy short-lived as an illegal baton exchange led to their win being overturned. However, the girls found redemption when their 4×800 relay team claimed the Class C state title with an exciting finish time of 9:26.08, just a narrow 0.07 seconds ahead of Southwestern.

Softball and Baseball Showcases

Moving to the softball fields, Orchard Park made headlines by winning the Class AA state championship, defeating Horseheads with a final score of 3-1. Senior pitcher Ava Farina delivered an awe-inspiring complete-game performance that contributed to the victory. On the other hand, Williamsville South faced disappointment in their Class A state final, falling 3-0 to Miller Place.

Meanwhile, on the baseball diamond, Canisius High advanced impressively to the New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association final with a solid 4-0 victory over Kellenberg Memorial. Saratoga Springs also made waves by securing a narrow 2-1 victory over Niagara Falls in the Class AAA baseball semifinals.

Sadly, Forestville softball saw their season conclude in the state semifinals with a 5-1 defeat against Hamilton, marking the end of a journey filled with determination and heart.

A Celebration of Achievement

The weekend was not just about victories and defeats; it was also an emotional journey for many athletes. With moments of triumph as well as reflection on their high school careers, the championships served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, resilience, and support systems that each competitor has relied on throughout their athletic journeys.

As teams and individual athletes move forward, their accomplishments will forever be etched in the history of high school sports, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations to take up the challenge and reach for greatness.

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