Scarsdale Boys Track Going Through Transition

It wasn't the season the Scarsdale boys track and field team is accustomed to. The Raiders have dominated the distance events in years past, but last winter it was in the field where Scarsdale had the majority of its success.

The Raiders were led by seniors Arthur Whyte and Roscoe Balter. The two athletes combined to score the majority of Scarsdale's points this season.

Whyte was the Westchester County champion in the 55-meter hurdles, long jump and triple jump. After having moderate success last year, Whyte fulfilled his potential this past winter.

At the state meet, the senior finished fourth in the 55 hurdles in the federation and second in the New York State Public High School Championship running 7.54 seconds.

"Whyte definitely came into his own this year," Scarsdale Coach Rich Clark said. "He entered three events at the county meet and won all three, and at state qualifiers he was the Section 1 champ in the hurdles and triple jump."

Balter was the county champ in the high jump as he cleared six feet, three inches. He combined with Whyte to score 40 of the team's 41 points as Scarsdale placed third at the county meet.

At the Class A meet the duo combined to score all 30 of Scarsdale's points as the Raiders finished sixth.

"I was disappointed with the distance group this winter, save for two runners," Clark said. "But I was pleased with our performance (at counties and sectionals) considering we scored a majority of our points from three or four individuals."

Scarsdale hopes to be on track next year, but with its top freshman – Matthieu Morel, who ran a 4:47 in the 1,600 – returning to France in August that's now a much tougher goal. But Clark has reason to be encouraged as junior shot putter Ianni Drivas showed vast improvement as he had a personal-best throw this season of 43-10.

The Raiders still have ability in the distance events, but it may take a little longer than expected for them to be the top distance team in the county. 

"If I had the young studs waiting to blossom next year I would say this is a transition year," Clark said. "However, what you see this year is all that we have."

Heading into the outdoor season the team has plenty of room to grow and improve.

 "Spring looks promising, but after that I can only hope," Clark said.