BY MARCUS HENRY
After an exciting state championship qualifier meet at Farmingdale on Wednesday, Nassau County will be well represented in Buffalo on June 13 and 14.
Baldwin's Nicholas Guscott followed up his strong showing at the Bulldog Invitational and at the County championships by taking the 100 meters in 10.6 seconds. He nearly carried the Bruins to victory in the 4x100 as he made up a 5-meter deficit during the final 100 meters.
Hempstead's Anthony Celestin took the 400 and has to be considered one of the favorites to capture the state title. Chris Parker, a star in the hurdles, had a good showing in the 110 HH, taking first in 14.2. Terrence Livingston, arguably the best 800 runner on the island, is expected to run strong in Buffalo. Uniondale's Nathaniel Mercer, a track veteran, jumped 22-1 at the qualifier and should be a factor.
Roslyn super sophomore Emily Lipari, who took the 3,000 and the 1,500 has the ability to win both events. Ashley Hendrix, who has enough accolades to fill a truck, took first in the 100 hurdles and the long jump. Her jump (17-11.5), wasn't anywhere close to her best, but she has a history of jumping up to the competition and should be fine in Buffalo. Samantha Edwards ran a 12-flat in the 100 and 2.48 in the 200 and put herself in prime position to really make an impact in Buffalo.
The Elmont girl's 4x100 team ran 48.7, nearly a full second in front of Hempstead (49.4) and should be a handful at the state meet. Garden City's 4x400 team was also impressive, running a 3:56.3. The Trojans edged Uniondale, which ran surprisingly well (3:57.6) considering its youth.