Jack Morelli, Collin McLaughlin help St. Anthony's boys track and field win 15th consecutive outdoor NSCHSAA league title
Collin McLaughlin of St. Anthony’s places first at the 800m during the CHSAA track field league championships on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in South Huntington. Credit: Dawn McCormick
When it comes to success, there are few programs that epitomize it more than St. Anthony’s boys track and field.
The host Friars captured their 15th consecutive outdoor Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA team title Saturday, scoring 104.5 points at the league's annual championships. St. Anthony’s seniors Jack Morelli and Collin McLaughlin dominated the track, so much so that the duo’s biggest competition was often a fellow Friar.
“These are my closest friends right here,” Morelli said. “We always want to be the best we can be, and that’s what gets us far…There’s no one I’d rather be with during this.”
Morelli won the 1,600 meters in 4 minutes, 29.61 seconds, narrowly edging teammate Regan Macpherson (4:30.85), who Morelli made sure to shout out after the race. McLaughlin won the 800 in 1:59.41, less than half a second ahead of Morelli (1:59.73).
“I’m just really happy to keep the [winning streak] going,” said McLaughlin, who also anchored St. Anthony’s 4 X 800 relay team that won in 8:26.2.
Junior James Ciaccio added a victory in the 400 (49.87).
Kellenberg also had a senior duo shine. Daniel Carsey won the 110-meter hurdles in 17.79 seconds and the 400 hurdles in 58.98. In the 400, Carsey needed to make up ground early in the race.
“I didn’t get out too strong,” Carsey said. “I don’t really expect anyone to be in front of me. My goal is to pass everyone.”
Meanwhile, senior teammate Evans Linzey won the 100 (11.12) and the 200 (22.18). He said he focuses on manifesting his run the night before, especially his starts in short-distance events.
“My strength is my top-end speed,” Linzey said. “So I know if I mess up my start on the 200 I still have time to fix it.”
Chaminade placed second in the team competition with 75.5 points. Sophomore Daniel Hilton was a major part of the team’s success. He won and set a personal record in the 2,000 meter steeplechase (6:36:35). He trailed on the first two laps before making up the distance on the back half.
“Usually I save a lot of energy for the end,” Hilton said. “I went out a little harder than I usually do today, but I was able to slow down, set the pace and have enough energy to finish.”
St. John the Baptist junior Shamir Lisbon set a new personal record in a high jump win, clearing 5 feet, eight inches . He was second in the long jump (20-7) behind Chaminade senior Ryan Taylor, who won with a 20 foot, 10 1/2 inch flight.
