B-BP Boys Track Boasts 5 State Champs, 7 All-State Athletes

Patch thanks Coach Michael Zafonte for contributing this article and the photos.

This week the Bayport-Blue Point boys track team competed in the New York State Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Middletown High School. 

The Phantoms wrapped up their season in amazing fashion walking away with 5 State Champions and 7 All State athletes.  To earn the title of “All State” athlete in track and field, an athlete or relay must finish in the top 6 in their class for a particular event.  There are two classes in track and field: Division 1 large school and Division II small school. 

Jared Gray, who earlier in the year broke the school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 22.1 seconds, earned All State honors in the 200 meter dash. 

Due to inclement weather, the typical two day state championship was condensed into a single day of competition.  There would be little to no rest for athletes doing multiple events.  This meant that Jack Flood of Bayport – Blue Point would need to compete in all five pentathlon events on one day.  Jack did not just compete he dominated.  His clutch performances in the 110 meter high hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and the 1500 meter set a new school record of 3510 points and earned him a State Championship title.  Jack was the New York State Federation Pentathlon Champion.  The Federation includes all public high schools small and large, catholic schools, private school, and city schools.  On this day Jack was the best pentathlete in the entire State.

The day did not end with Jack.  The 4x400 meter relay team consisting of Harry Martin, Bailey Imbo, John Antonacci, and Jared gray were looking to defend their 2012 Division II State Championship.  This year was going to be difficult due to the re-ordering of the events.  Harry Martin earlier in the day set the school record in the open 800 meter with a time of 1:54.17 earning him All State honors; he also ran on the 4x800 meter relay earning All State honors in that event as well.  Bailey Imbo was coming off a personal best performance in the 4x800 meter relay splitting 1:55.7 just one hour earlier.  The 4x400 was a third event for Harry and a second event for Bailey.  Most kids would have crumbled but not these two.  Harry came back to split 50.0 seconds and Bailey split 49.6 seconds which was another personal best time.  Antonacci and Gray sealed the deal running 51.8 and 49.3 seconds respectively.  The boys won another 4x400 meter relay Division II State Championship title.  In the past 4 years the Phantoms have won three 4x400 meter relay New York State Public High School Division II State Championships. 

Coach Michael Zafonte wrapped it up by stating, “These guys have been warriors for four years.  There have been ups and downs but through it all they continued to work through some of the most grueling and demanding workout regimens.  I am proud to say that I am their coach”