A Run for the Record Books

Over the last few weeks, Jeramy Elkaim missed out on chance to be a state group champion and skipped running at the high profile Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle.

Why?

Because Elkaim, who had a slight knee issue at the beginning of February, chose to sacrifice an opportunity at personal glory to ensure that he was 100 percent and ready to help his team run its best in the distance medley relay at the 74th Eastern States Championships last Tuesday at the New Balance Track and Field Center in New York.

"I wanted to make sure I was at my best to help us run as fast as possible at Easterns,’’ said the Oregon-bound Elkaim. Elkaim’s decision to sit out the state Group 4 meet last month and the Brooks meet last Sunday, paid off as he anchored Livingston to a sensational performance at Easterns.

Lined up against many of the top DM squads in the nation, Livingston beat all but one team across the line, stopping the clock in 10:16.04. That time is seven seconds faster than it’s previous best this season, No. 3 in the nation this season, No. 15 in state history and a virtually guarantees Livingston a berth in the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia next month.

Livingston, second behind Essex County rival St. Benedict’s Prep (10:14.54), was in contention the entire race.

Junior Nick Fogarty put the Lancers near with a career best leadoff carry of 3:08.7 for 1,200 meters. Senior Tyler DaSilva followed with a 53.4 400 leg and then senior Dave Coleman cranked out a personal best 2:02.0 800 split.

That set the stage for Elkaim, who got the baton nine seconds off the lead and in eighth place. Elkaim went out fast, ripping a 2:04 opening 800 as he moved into second place. With a lap to go (200 meters), Elkaim got on the shoulder of the leader, All-American Edward Cheserek of St. Benedict’s Prep. But Cheserek (4:07.8 1,600 leg) pulled away to secure the win.

"The first 800 felt hard, but I went out in 2:04,’’ said Elkaim, who split 4:12.0 for his 1,600 leg. "Then I had a very rough fifth lap, but then got it together and started getting close to Edward. But then the last 200 I was just holding on.’’

Elkaim said he and his teammates are happy with the result, but also realize they have more in them.

"It was pretty good for all us because Nick and Dave ran personal bests and Tyler I were both sick/injured,’’ said Elkaim. "That makes us think we all could have run faster if we were all healthy the whole season.’’

Livingston will get a chance to drop its distance medley time once again this Friday when it competes at the New Balance National Championships at the New Balance Track and Field Center in New York.

"We all just want to run a little faster and try to be in contention,’’ said Elkaim, who said he may also run the two-mile on Sunday at Nationals.

FENCING

Jenny Zheng, Kelly Ng, Daniel Tracy and brothers Ray and Jason Cai will compete at the state individual tournament for fencing on Sunday at Montgomery high school in Skillman at 9:30 a.m.

Ray Cai should finish among the top fencers in sabre. His brother will compete in the same weapon. Tracey and Ng will vie in foil and Zheng will compete in epee. The one-day event will end the fencing season.