MANHATTAN –– Tri-Valley’s track and field program is making waves once again, as six standout athletes have qualified for the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships. The competition will take place on Saturday, March 8,  at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island, where the state’s top athletes will compete for championship titles.

Among the Tri-Valley qualifiers is Lily Schoonmaker, who will compete in the 4x800m relay. Impressively, Schoonmaker is only in 7th grade, making her one of the youngest competitors at the meet. She will be joined in the relay by Emma Richardson, Sophia Richardson, and Anna Furman. Sophia Richardson will also compete in the 300m, an event in which she set the Tri-Valley school record twice on her path to the state meet.

Kane Poje has qualified in both the shot put and weight throw. He is especially one to watch in the weight throw, as he currently ranks 6th in New York State and holds the top mark in the entire USA for Sophomore Boys in the event.

Van Furman will race in the 3200m and the intersectional relay. He dominated the Section 9 competition in the 3200m, finishing nearly 30 seconds ahead of all other athletes in his qualifying race. Furman is a strong contender for a state championship, currently ranked 4th in New York State and closing in on the top time.

Tri-Valley  isn’t the only Sullivan County program sending talent to the state championships. Gabriela Almonte from Monticello will be competing in the Girls 55m, and Gracyn Halloran from Sullivan West will represent the region in the Girls Intersectional Relay.

These athletes have put in tremendous dedication and hard work to reach this level, and best of luck to everyone competing.