Molloy Stanner Games Rundown

By Chris Lotsbom, ArmoryTrack.com

NEW YORK (11-Jan) -- On Saturday, the 19th annual Molloy Stanner Games were held at The New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory. Hosted by Archbishop Molloy High School, the meet featured a number of stellar performances. Here are some of the highlights: 

 - In the girls Invitational 3000m, Arlington junior Bella Burda ran away with the victory in a time of 9:55.85. The win was Burda's second in seven days, as last weekend she took the Hispanic Games mile which qualified her for the NYRR Millrose Games on February 15. 

 - Also earning their second win in a week was Smithtown West shot putter Benjamin Bonhurst, whose furthest mark was 61 feet, 9.50 inches. Half Hollow Hills West senior Oyinkanso Adewale threw 42-02.00 for the girls Invitational shot put title. 

 - Northport swept the top three spots in the boys Invitational 3200m, separated by only one-tenth of a second. Tim McGowan (9:17.96) edged Mike Brannigan (9:17.99) for the win, with Tim's twin brother, Jack, coming in third (9:21.06). Northport also claimed the 4x800m title in 8:04.63.

 - The boy's pole vault drew the loudest cheers from The Armory's crowd, as Riverhead junior Charles Villa soared over 15 feet. His final height was 15-01.00 feet, six inches higher than runner-up Joseph Crispi (Msgr. Farrell). 

 - Boys and girls Invitational mile titles were won by Sean Kelly (Chaminade) and Paige Duca (Sacred Hart). Their times were 4:20.27 and 5:05.18, respectively. Kelly also ran on Chaminade's 4x800m relay, splitting an unofficial 1:53.3 third leg.

 - In the straight sprints, Sidney Gibbons (McClancy) and Aliya Barnes (West Orange) were victorious in the boys and girls 55m Hurdles. Justin Guerre (St. Francis) and Alyssa Leto (Sachem North) took the top spots in the boys and girls 55m dash.

 - Kellenberg's Jazmine Fray won the 1000m in 2:57.59 then came back to finish second in the 600m, timing 1:37.12. 

 - Among girls field event winners were Samantha Beyer in the pole vault (10-04.00 feet) and Saleen Matta in the long jump (17-00.25 feet). 

 - The boys 4x400m Relay came down to the wire, as Old Bridge High School and Newburgh High School battled to the line. Ultimately, it was Old Bridge coming out on top, 3:22.10 to 3:22.59.

 - Justin Sicari's high jump of 6 feet, 8.25 inches puts him in the top ten nationwide this year. He is a senior at Monsignor Farrell High School.

Full results of the Molloy Stanner Games are featured here.

Photo/Chris Lotsbom