By: Dave Bresler, contributing writer
The Shenendehowa Boys Outdoor Track and Field team goes into the 2000 season with an unprecedented streak of 93 straight dual meet wins. This streak spans a whopping eleven years, beginning in 1989 and continuing to this season. Last year the streak was almost destroyed by Colonie as they led the meet up until Chris Cooper made a heroic vault to capture victory for Shen.
This year's team is one that has talent in a number of areas. Leading the distance squad are seniors Darrell Andruski (4:26-1600, 9:53-3000, 2:40-1000), John Lynch (4:26-1600, 1:27-600, 2:41-1000), and juniors Marty Weishaar (4:34-1600, 10:02-3200), and Scott Schulte (9:59-3200). The top middle distance runners this year are seniors Zach Hansen (1:29-600, 2:01-800. 2:39-1000), Darryl Slater (2:05-800), and Sam Silver (53-400). Leading the sprinters and hurdlers are juniors Wagner Samaniego (53-400, 38-300), Andrew Street (55-400), and sophomores Rason Hodges (5.6-45), Dino Bellumori (8.9-55h), and Andre Vives (8.94-55h). The leaders in the field events will be seniors Ammon Nelson (6'-HJ), Chris Cooper (13'-PV), Erik Smith (42'7"-SP), and John McClure (5'9"-HJ).
The Plainsmen will be attending many large, prestigious invitationals throughout the year including the Penn Relays (4/28-4/29), the Schenectady Invitational (5/4), and the William F. Eddy Meet (5/20) at Union College. The championship part of the season begins on May 16, as the running Plainsmen try to win the Suburban Council Championship as defending champions. Shen also takes to the track on May 25 to defend their Sectional Championship. However, the biggest hurdle for the Plainsmen comes on May 2 when Shen does battle with Saratoga and Colonie, in their final home meet, for the chance to win their 100th straight contest.
