Amherst girls track returns solid core
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Amherst's Celia Alterio pulls into the lead of the 1500-meter race at the eighth Early Bird Invitational at John F. Kennedy High School on April 14. Alterio finished third in the event. Alterio, a junior, should be one of the Lady Tigers' top distance runners. Photo by Patrick McPartland Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Although Amherst's outdoor girls track team is young, coach Dan Tryon believes he has a solid returning core of athletes who will have a successful season.

Tryon returns senior Arielle Januszkiewicz and junior Celia Alterio. At last year's Section VI Championships, Januszkiewicz finished fourth in the 1500-meters and joined Alterio on the Lady Tigers' third place 4x800 relay. Januszkiewicz and Alterio should run both events this year.

Januszkiewicz will also run the 1600. Alterio will compete in the 800 and 1500. Alterio set a school record in the 1000 during the indoor track sectionals.

Tryon credits Januszkiewicz's work ethic and Alterio's competitiveness for their past successes.

Alterio is off to a good start, placing second in the 800 (2:36.07) and third in the 1500 (5:12.63) at the eighth Early Bird Track and Field Invite on April 14.

Other team runners to watch for include Stephine Woods, Allison Rogers, Nasya Watson, and Ariella Korn in the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay. Tryon also returns experienced 400 hurdlers Sarah Lister, Brittany Horvath, Katie Smith, and Mikeala Maddock and experienced distance runners Brenna Symoniak and Diane Herzog. Symoniak won the indoor track section title in the 3000.

Michelle Niblock and Leanne Kopec will anchor the Lady Tigers' pole vaulters high jumpers, respectively.

Tryon said freshmen to watch include Olivia May, Victoria Sosnowski, Annalisa Plovino, and Danielle Miller. The events they will compete in were not made available before press time.

"These groups of girls are hard working, competitive, and very dedicated," Tryon said. "They are a very energetic and entertaining group that does an awesome job of mixing hard work and fun, which makes it a pleasure not only to coach but more importantly be around."
          Amherst Central
            2007 Schedule
4-24 Starpoint............... 4:30 p.m.
4-28 Ken West Invitational (Crosby
    Field) .......................... 10 a.m.
5-1 at South .................. 4:30 p.m.
5-8 at Pioneer............... 4:30 p.m.
5-12   Starpoint   Team   Challenge
(Starpoint High School)   10 a.m.
5-15 East ....................... 4:30 p.m.
5-21 All-Amherst Championships
(Amherst High School) ... 4 p.m.
5-25 ECIC Championships (Alden
High School) ..................... 3 p.m.
5-26 ECIC Championships (Alden
High School) ................... 10 a.m.
6-1   Section   VI   Championships
(Starpoint High School) .... noon
6-2   Section   VI   Championships
(Starpoint High School) .... noon