MIDDLETOWN – Tri-Valley’s track and field team made a powerful statement at the New York State Championships this past weekend, with eight athletes competing in 14 events and returning home with an impressive haul: three Class C state titles, two silver medals, and numerous top finishes.

Leading the charge was Van Furman, who captured both the Class C and NYS Federation titles in the 3000-meter steeplechase with a blazing time of 9:10.41—the fastest time in the nation this year. 

This victory marks Van’s fifth individual state title and seventh overall, including two team cross-country championships, making him Tri-Valley’s most decorated male track athlete in school history. Van also placed third in the 3200 meters and seventh in the 1600 meters for Class C.

Anna Furman also delivered a standout performance, winning the Class C 2000-meter steeplechase in 7:00.30, good for eighth place in the Federation rankings. She also took second in the Class C 3000 meters (eighth in Federation), placed seventh in the 1500 meters, and ran the second leg of the girls’ 4x800-meter relay, which earned fifth place in Class C. Competing in four of the toughest distance events over the weekend, Anna proved her exceptional endurance and versatility.

Kane Poje, a rising star and only a sophomore, claimed his first state title by winning the Class C shot put with a throw of 53’11.25”, which also secured him eighth place in the Federation.

Sophia Richardson had a packed and impressive schedule, setting a new school record in the 400 meters with a time of 56.51 placing her 2nd in Class C, a performance that qualified her for the New Balance Nationals. She also finished fifth in the 200 meters, competed in the 100-meter dash, and anchored the 4x800-meter relay team that placed fifth in Class C. 

Allyson Chevalier ran a strong 2000-meter steeplechase, placing sixth in Class C, and led off the 5th-place 4x800-meter relay. Emma Richardson rounded out the scoring for the relay team as its third leg, helping bring home more hardware for the team.

Tri-Valley also saw valuable performances from Logan Weyant (pole vault) and Dakota Evans (discus), both competing at their first state championships and gaining crucial experience on the big stage.

As the dust settled, Tri-Valley’s athletes stood tall, finishing the weekend with three individual Class C state champions, two silver medalists, and multiple top-eight finishes at the Federation level. Their success highlights not just individual excellence, but the depth and strength of Tri-Valley’s track and field program.