Johnson Stuns Field as H-Ton
Finishes Fourth
Tyriek Johnson is back. The Huntington High School senior turned in a stunning performance in the 110m high hurdle finals at the Bob Pratt Invitational in Smithtown this past weekend. The teenager swept across the finish line in 14.6 seconds, just off the best time in the state this spring.
Johnson's topped off his day with a second place effort in the long jump, leaping 22'4 as the Blue Devils took fourth place in the team standings. The Huntington star was nipped for the gold medal by one inch by Smithtown's Devin Mirenda in his final attempt.
Johnson's time in the 110m high hurdles is just off the mark of current state leader Cameron Black of St. Anthony's, who ran 14.59 seconds earlier this season. The Huntington great is still not yet at his peak, but he's getting there, much to the delight of head coach Ron Wilson.
In other action for the Blue Devils:
• Senior Ryan Ackerman and freshman Scott Gulizio placed sixth and seventh, respectively in the 800m run in times of 2:01 and 2:04.
• Ackerman, Gulizio, senior John Ceide and sophomore Joshua Watkins finished fourth in the 4x400m relay with a season-best time of 3:36.
• Huntington's throwers added more medals to their collection as senior Trayvon Toney finished second in discus with a 155-foot effort, four feet off the winning distance. Junior Shaheem Lewis placed third with a throw of 147'.
• Toney and Lewis came back and medaled in shot put with Lewis finished fourth (48'11.75) and Toney capturing sixth (48'1.5).
Huntington will be tested this week when he faces undefeated Bellport, a traditional track and field powerhouse. "They have strong distance runners and can also do well in sprinting events," Wilson said. "We have throwers that should dominate, so it will be interesting to see how both teams fare. They have a great coaching staff that does a great job of getting the best out of their athletes. Either way out, Coach [Don]Nelson of Bellport and I said we are going to have some fun and let the kids do what they do best; compete!"
The Blue Devils will compete in the sprawling St. Anthony's Invitational this weekend. The competition attracts athletes and teams from around the tri-state area. "It's very competitive and we will be there to represent Huntington with some athletes that should definitely place and do well," Wilson said.