Mepham, JFK Girls Track Teams Compete at Friendship Games

The Kennedy Lady Cougars and Mepham Lady Pirates girls winter track teams were among the many Nassau County high school track teams to compete at the Friendship Games Field #5, held indoors at Nassau Community College on Jan. 6.

The Friendship Games meet series for the winter 2009/10 season has been held primarily at Nassau Community College, with Farmingdale High School being the only other host venue thus far. The competition consisted of distance and middle distance runs as well as sprints/high hurdles, testing the girls' endurance and explosiveness.

The Lady Cougars' Cara Feldman put forth the best performance of the event for either program at the event, finishing second in the 300-meter race to Calhoun junior Eva Fitzgerald, who edged Feldman by .7 seconds, 11:13.8 to 11:14.5, in one of the closest races of the evening. The 11:14.5 time was a career-best for the outstanding junior captain, whose determination and work ethic have been remarkable.

Feldman, who placed in the state championships last season, runs workouts and leads by example, often entering the weight room 30 minutes before practice, according to Kennedy girls track coach Chris Mammone. Mammone has coached Feldman for several years and has been impressed by her commitment and strong performances.

"Cara ran much faster this year than last," he said, a testament to her marked improvement.

JFK junior Samantha Sagendorph also was among the top finishers, placing fifth in the 55 high hurdles with a season-best time of 10.40.

Several multi-sport stars participate in winter track to stay in shape for other sports, filling the JFK roster with some of the school's most talented athletes. Among the most versatile are cousins Paige and Sarah Siegler. Paige is one of the best shot-putters in Nassau County and Sarah excels in hurdle competitions.

The Kennedy and Mepham track teams train outdoors during the winter and brave the often grueling conditions. Mepham girls track Coach Anthony Serravite believes practicing in outdoor conditions helps the student athletes develop more mental toughness.

"If you can run fast indoors, outdoors will be easier," Coach Serravite said.

Mepham junior Alisa Batcher was the top finisher for the team at Friendship Games #5, finishing eighth in the 1,000-meter with a time of 3:26.60; East Meadow's Jennifer Flores captured first with a 3:11.40 performance. The time was a career-best for Batcher, whose previous fastest time was 3:24.80 earlier this season.

The Lady Pirates track team is led by senior captain Danielle Parker, who has left a lasting impression on her teammates.

"Danielle is a huge help showing teammates [how to prepare for meets]," Coach Serravite said. "She will leave a legacy for others to follow."

Sophomore Nina DiFranco has also been among the most successful runners, placing among the top athletes in several races during the fall season.

"Nina has impressed me beyond belief," Coach Serravite said. "She did a lot of independent summer training and pushed herself to the limit of her ability."

With a grueling schedule which sometimes includes four indoor meets in a span of six days and approximately 15 meets during the course of the winter season, coaches Mammone and Serravite have carefully prepared their teams for intense competitions and the athletes have responded with commendable commitment and resolve and are poised and prepared for success during the remainder of the season.

3,000-meter runCara Feldman 2nd overall in 11:14.5 (Personal Best)
1,000-meter run
Katie Marcy 3:32.93
Jenna Coluccio 4:04.7
Danielle Gilman 4:18.63
Kelly Rogan 4:16.1855 meter hurdles
Samantha Sagendorph 10.41 (PB)
55-meter dash
Sarah Siegler 8.12 (PB)
Samantha Sagendorph 8.3 - 4th in novice
Melissa Esposito 8.3 (PB)
Lauren Chalich
Stephanie Vogel 8.9
Melissa Robinson 9.18 (PB)
Nicole Barclay 8.5 (PB)
Kelly Rogan 8.84 (PB)
Paige Siegler 10.14
Stefanie Zassman 9.03
Samantha Esposito 8.68

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