STATEN ISLAND–– Tri-Valley’s athletes made a strong statement at the State Championships, with every competitor earning All-State honors in at least one event and bringing home a medal. Their performances included school records, personal bests, and even a state championship title.

Van Furman led the way by placing 6th in the 3200m, earning All-State honors. He also made history as the anchor of the Intersectional Relay, running the final 1600m leg in an impressive 4:24.07—the fastest 1600m split of any relay at the state meet. His performance helped secure the victory, making him Tri-Valley’s first-ever boys’ indoor state champion.

Kane Poje delivered an outstanding showing in the field events, finishing 4th in the Weight Throw to secure All-State honors. He was the only underclassman to place in the top 20 in the event, competing against a traditionally senior-dominated field. Poje also finished 9th in the Shot Put, once again as the only underclassman in the top 10. His throw of 51 feet, 7.25 inches set a new Tri-Valley school record. Adding to his already impressive resumé, Poje currently ranks #1 in the USA for all sophomores in the Weight Throw.

The girls’ 4x800m relay team of Emma Richardson, Anna Furman, Lily Schoonmaker, and Sophia Richardson had a standout performance, finishing 4th and earning All-State honors. In the process, they shattered a 35-year-old school record, clocking in at 9:48.51—an astonishing 27-second improvement from just last week.

Anna Furman placed 11th in the 3000m, setting a personal best of 9:56.92, and finished 18th in the 1500m. Sophia Richardson competed in the 300m dash, placing 24th. While not in the top 6 rankings individually, their performances in the 4x800m relay secured their All-State honors and medals.

Additionally, Lily Schoonmaker has qualified for the Middle School 800m race at the New Balance National Championships next Friday in Boston, MA, adding another exciting milestone for Tri-Valley’s rising talent.

Sullivan County was well represented beyond Tri-Valley. Gabriela Almonte of Monticello competed in the girls’ 55m dash, finishing 31st with a time of 7.57. Gracyn Halloran of Sullivan West was the opening leg of the Section 9 girls’ intersectional relay team, which placed 3rd overall, earning All-State honors.

Next Stop: Nationals

Tri-Valley’s season isn’t over yet, as several athletes are set to compete on the national stage. Kane Poje and Matthew Ortiz Jimenez will head to Nike Nationals on Friday, March 14th at The Armory in New York City. Ortiz Jimenez will race in the Freshmen 60m, while Poje will compete in the Weight Throw Championship.

Meanwhile, four Tri-Valley athletes will also travel to Boston, MA, for the New Balance National Championships. Van Furman and Anna Furman will both race in the 2-Mile National Championship on Friday, March 14th. Seventh-grader Lily Schoonmaker will compete in the Middle School 800m, also on Friday. Kane Poje will once again take on the nation’s best in the Weight Throw Championship on Saturday, March 15th.

Good luck to all the athletes as they represent Tri-Valley on the national stage!