Over the past five years, Lancaster's Bri McKenzie has morphed from a nervous 8th grader to one of the top throwers in the entire state.
"We used to call her Bambi because when she was in the circle her legs would shake,” joked Lancaster throwing coach George Rak.
"It was frightening,” she laughed. “It really was, but every time I got into the circle, it made me more comfortable."
After etching her named in the record books during the indoor season with a 58-foot toss in the weight throw, which ranks 3rd all-time in the New York, her dominance has continued in the outdoor season.
"She's all business. When she steps in that ring there's nothing between her and what she wants,” Rak said. “So, that's really what you want in a thrower."
"I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. So, I say that before I go into the circle and then just kind of blank out and zone out,” the senior hurler said.
In the Legends' first meet of the spring, the senior jumped right to top of the leaderboard with a toss of 122 feet 6 inches in the discus.
"I think it's a good way to start the season,” Rak said. “But, by no means are we where we need to be."
And it's a third-place finish at the state meet a year ago, that has her primed for a run to the top of the podium in her final season.
"It's unfinished business because what won it last year made me realize how close I can be,” she said. “It only takes one throw."
***SUPER 7 COUNTDOWN***
#1 – Bri McKenzie, Lancaster Track & Field
Her 122’6” throw in the Legends’ first meet of the year set the top mark in NYS in the discus.
#2 – Charlie Bruning, Roy-Hart Baseball
Threw a no-hitter in the Rams’ 3-0 win over Lockport.
"Charlie is a competitor with great mound presence, mature beyond his years. The sophomore threw a no-hitter Tue afternoon against Lockport in a 3-0 Roy-Hart win. Charlie effectively worked both sides of the plate with his fastball which sits in the 80-84mhp range, along with a good mix of his curveball which he was consistently able to throw for strikes. Charlie finished the afternoon with nine strikeouts and just one walk. The sophomore threw his second no-hitter of his varsity career, the first coming last year as a freshman against the Charter School of Applied Technology." - Jeff Ziemecki, Head Coach
#3 – Mackenzie Quider, Niagara-Wheatfield Softball
The pitcher is 6-0 this season and helped power the Falcons to an impressive 8-0 mark at Disney, securing five wins.
#4 – Jack Collins, Canisius Baseball
Pitched a complete game shutout to power the Crusaders to a 6-0 win over Fairfax, Virginia.
“Jack threw a complete game shutout with five K’s against Fairfax, Virginia. The junior right hander was a key component of last year’s Georgetown Cup Championship team.” – Brian Tenney, Head Coach
#5 – Mattie Klein, Akron Softball
Struck out 10 batters in the Tigers’ 6-2 win over Medina.
#6 – Cheektowaga Shuttle Hurdle Relay, Warrior Track & Field
Set a meet record at the 1:07.9 at the Warrior Relays to help power the home team to the meet victory.
#7 – Sam Burlow, Buffalo Seminary Lacrosse
Scored two goals and added an assist in Seminary’s 12-5 win over Newfane.
"Sam is really maturing as a leader on the field. In the Newfane game, she demonstrated great control of the offense and consistently made great plays on defense with her aggressive play" - Kevin Phengthavone, Head Coach
