The Section VII Track and Field Championships, held recently at Peru High School, witnessed remarkable performances from various schools. Among them, Saranac Lake's teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, securing runner-up positions in both the boys' and girls' Class C competitions.
Saranac Central Spartans emerged victorious in both divisions, with their boys scoring 246 points and the girls achieving 273.5 points. Meanwhile, Saranac Lake’s boys gathered 138 points, while their female counterparts earned 147.5 points. Notably, changes in classification saw Beekmantown, Peru, and Plattsburgh elevated to Class B this year, intensifying competition within Class C. In the boys' category, Saranac Lake showcased strength through senior athletes Dustin Burke, Jake Kollmer, and Liam Nobles, who collectively won seven individual events and achieved five second-place finishes. Burke excelled in throwing events, winning both shot put and discus, closely followed by sophomore teammate Sam Duprey in these categories. Kollmer maintained his dominance from last year, triumphing in the 800-meter and 1,600-meter races.
Athletic prowess extended beyond individual victories as relay teams also delivered commendable performances. Saranac Lake placed second in both the 4×400 and 4×800 relays, highlighting teamwork and endurance. On the girls' side, Lake Placid seventh-grader Leila Fey stood out with second-place finishes in the 1,500 and 3,000 races, narrowly missing first place to Saranac Central's Sienna Boulds. Despite not clinching any individual titles, Saranac Lake's girls team accumulated numerous second and third-place finishes, led by senior Maggie Reed, whose consistent performance across hurdles, high jump, and triple jump contributed significantly to the team's overall score. Relay teams further bolstered their standings with a second-place finish in the 4×800 and 4×100 relays.
The championships underscored the dedication and talent of young athletes competing at the sectional level. As they prepare for the state qualifier meet, these students exemplify the values of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their achievements inspire future generations to embrace challenges and strive for excellence, proving that hard work and passion can lead to extraordinary outcomes on and off the track.