Sloan Wasserman Captures Gold in 3,000 Meters at State Track Championships

The state outdoor track and field championships held in upstate Webster showcased a strong performance from Section 1 athletes, even as some top competitors were sidelined due to injuries. The first day of the two-day event proved fruitful, with standout performances across various categories. Among the highlights was Sloan Wasserman from John Jay-Cross River, who achieved a personal-best time of 9:28.99 in the girls 3,000 meters. This impressive performance not only earned her the Class B title but also the overall state Federation championship, which includes competitors from all school classifications.

“It was pretty hot today, so I just focused on getting the win and had a pretty fast last lap,” Wasserman remarked after her victory, noting that she surged into the lead with about 450 meters remaining. Although she aimed for a faster time, her primary goal was securing the win.

Wasserman, who also clinched the indoor state title in the same distance earlier this year, is set to compete in the girls 2,000-meter steeplechase, where she stands as the national leader this spring. She is also qualified for the 1,600 meters and the 4x800 relay, though it’s likely she will have to withdraw from one event, with the 1,600 meters being the most probable choice.

In other notable performances, Connor Sullivan from Clarkstown South secured second in the Federation and first in public Class A in the boys shot put with a top throw of 59-8.25. For athletes like Wasserman and Sullivan, Saturday marked a significant chapter in their high school track careers as they prepare for collegiate competition.

Meanwhile, younger athletes also shined, as witnessed by Scarsdale’s Adriana Pettinelli and New Rochelle’s Olivia Solomon, who finished first and second in both the girls Class A public school 800 and the Federation 800, with times of 2:07.4 and 2:08.4, respectively. Both are only in their sophomore year, indicating a promising future for Section 1 track and field.