Jamar Francis Wins Suffolk 600m Championship

Huntington senior Jahmar Francis took command early and never looked back en route to winning the Suffolk 600m run championship at Suffolk West in Brentwood on Saturday afternoon.

Francis has been one of Section XI’s best for many years and the teenager walked onto Suffolk West’s blue track determined to win a gold medal. He’s always confident in the most understated of ways. Some might call him a man of few words as he prefers to let his performance do the talking.

Francis easily strode past the talented field of 22 last Saturday, crossing the finish line in 1:23.91 to edge Northport’s Alex Toran (1:24.61), William Floyd’s Matteo Higueros (1:25.79) and Middle Country’s Daniel Kahler (1:25.81).

The Huntington senior turned in another strong performance a short time later as the anchor on the Blue Devils’ 4x400m relay. Dominic Mattio, Nikolai Lulewich and Gueniel Elysee covered the first three legs before Francis took the baton and raced around the track in spectacular fashion, appearing to cross the line first, but the photo finish proved otherwise.

Huntington clocked 3:31.95, but had to settle for second place to Longwood, which ran the race in 3:31.94. “It was a wild finish,” Blue Devil head coach Ronald E. Wilson said.

Francis is a wonderfully talented athlete who was recently honored as Huntington’s best football player. He’s a state champion and All-American on the track and has excelled for the Blue Devils in the winter and spring seasons, including in long jump.

The senior’s college plans have not yet come into focus. Right now he’s training for next Tuesday’s state qualifier at Suffolk West.