STATEN ISLAND – Two Tri-Valley juniors delivered outstanding performances at the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships, representing their school on the state’s biggest stage and adding their names to the program’s record books.

Anna Furman delivered one of the fastest distance races in Tri-Valley history in the 3000 meters. Furman crossed the finish line in 9:50.05, the second-fastest 3,000-meter time ever recorded at Tri-Valley, moving past program legend Heather Iatauro into second place on the school’s all-time list. Her performance earned 8th place at the NYSPHSAA State Championships and 9th place at the NYS Federation Championships, which includes athletes from public schools, private schools, and New York City.

Kane Poje delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the meet in the shot-put competition. Entering his final throw in second place by just two inches, Poje rose to the occasion and launched a personal-best throw of 61 feet, 3.25 inches to claim both the NYSPHSAA State Championship and the NYS Federation title. The throw not only secured the victory but also broke his own Tri-Valley school record by more than a foot. Poje also had a strong showing in the weight throw, recording a mark of 74 feet, 5.75 inches, which earned him second place in both the public-school division and the federation competition.

Both athletes have now qualified to compete on the national stage. Poje will compete in the shot put and weight throw at New Balance Nationals Indoor in Boston on March 13 and 14. He will also compete in the weight throw at Nike Indoor Nationals at The Armory in New York City on March 15.

Furman will also compete at both national meets. She is scheduled to run the 2 Mile Championship race at New Balance Nationals Indoor in Boston on Friday, March 13, and will then race in the mile at Nike Indoor Nationals at The Armory on March 15.

At the national championships, the top six finishers in each event earn All-American honors. Poje will have the opportunity to compete for that distinction in both of his events. Furman is already familiar with the national stage—she was a New Balance All-American last spring in outdoor track and field in the 2000-meter steeplechase.

Great job to both athletes and good luck at Nationals.