Merilan Electrifies Blue Devil
Girls' Track
Dania Merilan gave an electrifying performance as the Huntington High School girls' track and field team topped visiting Bellport, 84-66 on a cold overcast afternoon on Senior Day at Blue Devil Stadium.
"The girls knew that this was not going to be an easy win," said Jennifer Fudens, Huntington's first-year head coach. "They all knew and were prepared to give every event their absolute best and they all did just that. Each girl stepped up for the team and I couldn't be prouder."
Merilan, a talented senior who is undefeated in the 100m and 200m this season, wasn't under any illusions entering the meet. "She knew that Bellport had some fast girls, but she gave it her best and is still undefeated in both events," Fudens said. Merilan sprinted to victory in the 100m in 12.9 seconds and galloped across the 200m line first in 27.1 seconds.
Junior Jontae Smith sparkled on the frigid day, running an impressive 61.7 in the 400m. "Jontae has been extraordinary to coach as the season has progressed," Fudens said. "This is her first season running the 400m and she has gotten faster every single meet, beating her time from the meet before."
The Blue Devils are starting to fire on all cylinders, receiving contributions from the team's relays, middle and long distance runners and throwers and race walkers, too. The squad has a solid mix of veterans and skilled newcomers who have not yet realized their full potential.
Huntington junior Maia Cadle-Hinton continues to improve and dominate in the shot put and discus. Freshman Suzie Petryk is shining brighter than ever in the distance events and is now just seconds away from breaking five minutes in the 1500m. Junior Jen Polster is consistently securing points for the team in pole vault and long jump.
There are many supporting cast members in the Blue Devil girls' track and field production, but Merilan is clearly the star of the show. The teenager has explosive speed and there's no telling how far she can go in this, her final season of high school competition.