Five East Islip boys winter track athletes headed to states

East Islip High School’s boys winter track team put up some impressive performances throughout the night at the Section XI individual state qualifier meet on Feb. 14, with five student-athletes earning a spot at the state championships on March 2 at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island.

Captain Joseph Norrby took second place in the 600-meter dash and fourth in the high jump, earning all-county honors in both. Norrby will be competing at states in the 600-meter dash. Sophomore Julani Ellis also earned all-county honors with a jump of 21 feet, 8 inches, qualifying him for states.

No Suffolk County athlete has beaten East Islip senior captain Matt McIntee this year in the 300-meter dash, and this meet was no different, with McIntee dominating the competition. His time of 35.40 earned him a spot in the state tournament.

Lastly, the 4x400-meter relay team closed out the meet by defeating Longwood, their longtime rivals. Longwood had beaten East Islip twice this year; however, the East Islip boys could not be denied. In the semifinal round, James Terhune helped qualify the team for the finals, and the last showdown between Longwood and East Islip did not disappoint. Aidan McConnell started the race off strong, while Norrby held his ground. Jack Kalinowski kicked it into another gear, passing the competition and handing the baton to McIntee, who set a pace other teams could not keep up with. McIntee pulled away with 60 meters left in the race, securing the victory for East Islip as well as a spot for the 4x400 relay team at states.

“Congratulations to all the athletes who competed on their outstanding performances, and best of luck at the state championships,” assistant coach Nicole O’Connor said.