Lakers Put Together a Strong Showing at Regionals

Utica, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College track and field team put together a strong showing at Regionals, highlighted by several medal-winning performances and personal records.

Hanna Grace Check (Victor, N.Y./Victor) led the way for the Lakers, earning the title of Regional Champion in the discus with a throw of 29.92m. She also added another strong performance in the hammer throw, finishing with a mark of 34.61m, which was the top mark in the event, naming her regional champion and punching her ticket to the national meet.

On the track, Hester Van Der Lek (Groningen, Netherlands/CSG Augustinus) earned regional runner-up honors in the 1500m, taking home the silver medal with a time of 6:24.20. She also had a strong showing in the 800m, placing third with a time of 3:05.96.

Ruairi Steverson (Manchester, N.Y. / Manchester-Shortsville) also turned in a great performance, finishing third in the 800m with a time of 2:09.24.

The Lakers also saw a number of athletes set new personal records. Nataniel Dawley (Herkimer, N.Y. / Herkimer) had PRs in the shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer, while Layla Steinruck (Palmyra, N.Y / Palmyra Macedon) recorded PRs in pole vault and javelin.

Nate Salter (Warwick, England / Aylesford School) added PRs in the 1500m, 800m, and javelin. William Andrew (Honeoye, N.Y. / Honeoye)  and Megan McGregor (Marion, N.Y. / Marion Jr. Sr. High School) each posted PRs in the 5K, and Hester Van Der Lek continued her strong meet with PRs in both the 1500m and 800m.

The Lakers will return to Mohawk Valley Community College this weekend for the national meet, which begins Thursday and runs through Saturday.