A President, A Pass, and A Promise
It has been known, throughout time that good speeches are those that are made with three (3) key points. I wonder if the same is true about remembering Great Performances at an Exciting Event? To change things around just a bit, I have decided to discuss the Pass before the President.It was an unexpected Pass, but it was performed at the right time. Due to an economic recession (and they are as cyclical as the seasons) the Governor had to suspend funding for the Empire State Games. Many thought that this would mean no State Track & Field Championship. But just when it looked like the baton might be dropped, the Empire State Liberty Tour Track & Field Series reached back to grab it, and the 2009 President’s Open at Ichabod Crane High School on June 13th & 14th, became the Adirondack Association Qualifying Trials for the Empire State Track & Field Championships, which will be hosted at Queensbury High School July 24th – 26th. “At first we just wanted to put Humpty together again, but after a thorough dissection, it made more sense to build a new model”, says Empire State Liberty Tour Executive Producer Anthony Mills. He adds, “This new look is for everyone. We have created a true Track & Field Championship Event, which allows for all four (4) age divisions to compete, and at the same meet. Rather than segregate the Masters athletes, and have them perform in front of an empty stadium, we have provided a stage where their talents may be witnessed by the younger generations looking to become a true ‘Master’ of an event.” And Tara DiLuca (Pictured Above) shows near perfect form for all aspiring Hurdlers to study, as she sets a new President’s Open record in the Master’s Women 100m High Hurdles. In fact, she also set records in the 100m and 200m Dash.
There are Four (4) Qualifying Trials around the Empire State that cover Adirondack, Long Island, New York City (MAC), and Niagara. The top four (4) finishers will advance to the Empire State Track & Field Championships. If each roster spot for a USATF Association is not filled by an athlete that competed at the Trials, then it is possible, for those athletes that did not compete at the Trials, to Register for the Empire State Track & Field Championships by submitting their performances and sending along the appropriate entry fees. According to USATF Adirondack President, Chris Rush, “We are both pleased and excited to support and sanction the Empire State Liberty Tour’s Qualifying Trials, and the three (3) day New York State Track & Field Championships. It will offer an opportunity for athletes of all ages to participate in a first class event.” This covers point two (2), the President.
The Promise is the key to being a successful leader. “The selection of ‘teams’ through local competition by each NYS Association will ensure that each County in the State has the opportunity to participate”, says Dave Herrington, Former Adirondack Men’s Coach for the Empire State Games. He adds, “The 2009 Empire State Liberty Tour Track & Field Championships has the potential to develop and recognize some of the best athletes in New York State.” According to Anthony Mills, the “NEW” Championship Event is fully prepared for more than 1,200 athletes to compete at Queensbury High School in July, and that the Private Sector is fully committed to working with this event in 2010 as well. He states, “This is more than just a one time thing. We promise to return in 2010 with more excitement, competition, and fun. That is truly what the folks want!”
To view the Results from the President’s Open / Adirondack Qualifying Trials, click “Results” from the navigation bar. For all of the current Records for the President’s Open, or the Empire State Liberty Tour Track & Field Series, click “Records”. If you wish to Register for the Empire State Track & Field Championships click on the Ad Box to the right of this article to download a Registration Form. If you would like to know what Roster Spots are still available from your Association, click on the Ad Box to the right that shows your Association’s name. For more exciting pictures of Record Breaking Performances from the President’s Open, just scroll down. Remember to join us Facebook, and Twitter.
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- Lance Chase (Open Men) sets a new Hammer Throw record for the President’s Open with a heave of 54.53m.
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- Delmar Whippet, Cydney DeLaRosa, leaps into the record books with a performance of 3.31m in the Bantam Girl’s Long Jump.
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- The Kingston Tigers roared to a record breaking time of 9:33.18 in the 4 x 800m Relay. They also set a new 4 x 100m record with a time of 47.82.
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- Alexandra Parise breaks the President’s Open High Jump record for the Intermediate Girl’s with this jump of 1.50m.
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- Glencadia middle distance star, Chase Werner, goes wire to wire in the Midget Boy’s 800m Run (2:54.22) to set the firtst of two (2) records, as he also set the 1500m Run record in a time of 5:43.72.
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- With great focus, Jean Juste, for the second straight week, sets a new Open Men’s 110m High Hurdle record with a time of 14.24.
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- Rudy Winkler provides an exhibition of solid blocking form as he sets a new Intermediate Boy’s Discus record with a toss of 36.80m. Rudy also set the Hammer record for his age group with a throw of 31.85m.
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- The Bantam Boys of the Glencadia Bullets’ 4 x 400m Relay Team cruise into the record books by posting a time of 5:37.56.
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- Nick Matthews of the Kingston Tigers (outside lane) cruises to a President’s Open record in the 110m High Hurdles in the Young Men’s division by edging out his own teammate.
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- Kailee Kunst reaches for a new Young Women’s Triple Jump record with a distance of 9.44m.
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- The Perfect Presidential logo for the President’s Open. For a limited time, you can purchase this T-shirt design at any of the Liberty Tour Events. Hurry while supplies last! This item is moving fast.
