Blue Devils Win 4x400m Relay at County Championships

Oh, what a difference a week or two makes. Two weeks ago at the Suffolk League II boys’ track and field championships, Connetquot edged Huntington for 4x400m relay gold. But this past Saturday, the result was reversed at the Section XI Large School County Championships.

Huntington shot out to an early lead with first leg senior Dom Mattio setting the pace. Mattio handed the baton to sophomore Eric Heinz, who continued to keep stride with Connetquot as the two teams separated themselves from the rest of the talented field, which included defending county champ and state finalist Longwood as well as Bellport, Patchogue-Medford and North Babylon.

Huntington’s lead was erased on the third leg when Connetquot passed senior Carlos Marroquin. Marroquin handed off to anchor leg junior Titan Elysee, who stayed one or two strides behind Connetquot.

“Coming off the final turn, Elysee found an extra gear and passed Connetquot for the gold and the 4x400m relay county championship,” head coach Ron Wilson said.

The Blue Devils finished in 3:30.67 with Connetquot clocking in at 3:31.25. “What a great race.” Wilson said.

In other action for Huntington:

• Eric Heinz (1:25.85) earned All-County honors in the 600m dash when he placed third in a three-way photo finish with Vincent Pitre of Bellport (1:25.57) and Josiah Price (1:25.72) of West Babylon. “It was another great race,” Wilson said.

• Junior Matt Ross earned a bronze medal and All-County honors in shot put with a toss of 45’7.25 behind Commack’s Spencer Weiss (46’2.75) and Anthony Pisciotta (49’4). Champion Ali Xavier of Walt Whitman tossed the weight ball 50’3.

• Sophomore Colby Curran was just outside of finishing on the podium, placing seventh in shot put with a toss of 44’3, which is a full foot short of his personal best.

• Carlos Marroquin garnered a bronze medal when he finished fifth in long jump with a leap of 21’2.5.

Huntington will compete in the Millrose Games on Saturday, February 8. The Section XI state qualifier is set for Tuesday, February 11.