St. Francis senior Jeff Walter breaks 35 year old record

St. Francis senior Jeff Walter is one of the best pentathletes in New York.

"It's very stressful knowing you have to do 5 events in one to two days," he said. "It takes a toll on your body, that's for sure."
 

Ranked number in the state among Catholic school competitors, the senior has excelled in the long jump, high jump, shot put, 1500 meter run and 110 hurdles.

"You always hope you can have a foundation to build off of and for the last couple of years," Head Coach Steve Otremba said.  "Jeff has been the guy that we've been able to build a lot around because more than anything, just his commitment and how he goes about his business."

Jeff was all business at the All-Catholic meet on his home turf over the weekend, cementing his name as one of the all-time greats in the program winning and breaking the long jump record that stood since 1982 by leaping 22 feet 4 and a half inches.

"Right when I hit the board and landed in the pit, I knew it was a big jump," Jeff said.  

"I've hit right around that mark for a couple of meets, it's been a few inches short. This one I felt it and it's been overwhelming knowing I can live up to that."

Jeff didn't stop there.  He wrapped up the two day meet winning three events, while posting personal bests in the shot put (1st), high jump (1st) and 400-meter run (3rd).

His 36 combined points for the Red Raiders – the most scored by a St. Francis athlete.

"It was tremendous.  It was exciting and it was just something that I've never seen as a track coach here and it's going on 20 years to see a performance like that," Otremba said.

***Super 7 Countdown***
 

#1 – Jeff Walter, St. Francis High School Track & Field
Won three events (long jump, high jump, shot put) at the All-Catholic track and field meet and also broke the long jump record that stood since 1982 with a leap of 22' 4.5".

#2 – Erin Hufford, St. Mary’s High of Lancaster Softball

"Erin has had a very impressive week.  In the 2 softball games she had last week she went 2-4 at the plate with 4 walks.  She also pitched a complete game, 3 hits, 9k's in 5 innings.  On Wednesday she was selected Monsignor Martin Softball Player of the Year.  This past weekend she competed in the All-Catholic track finals at St Francis High school where she jumped her PR in triple jump, 33"10' and for the 2nd year in a row she won the 100M and is the Monsignor Martin champion." - Kevin Hufford, St. Mary's of Lancaster Head Coach

#4 – Shea Warren, Park Track & Field
Won the shot put and discus field events at the Monsignor Martin Championship.  She toss the shot put 33 feet 5.25 inches and the discus 93 feet 3 inches.

#5 – Ryan Voss, Barker Baseball
Earned a complete game victory in the Raiders 6-3 win over Holland. He also went 3-for-4 at the plate, finishing a single shy of hitting for the cycle.

“Ryan has been getting it done all year on the mound and at the plate.  I have tremendous confidence in him every time he is pitching or hitting.  He really set the tone for our semi-final game striking out the first two batters of the game and then belting a solo homer in the bottom half of the first inning. 

Ryan has a 2.31 ERA for the year in 36.1 IP striking out 39 batters
He is hitting .382 with 21 H, 22 R, 3 2B, 2 3B and 1 HR.” – Robert Mucha, Barker Head Coach

#6 – Ivy Santana, Lake Shore Lacrosse
Scored four goals and added three assists in Lake Shore’s 15-5 win over Grand Island as the squad improved to 12-2 overall and 8-0 in league play.

"Ivy Santana is the quintessential athlete.  Determination, leadership, talent, and athleticism all in one package." - Hannah Wawrowski, Lake Shore Head Coach

#7 – Owen Hill, Akron Lacrosse
Scored three goals and added four assists in Akron’s 11-7 win over Clarence as the Tigers improved to 15-1 on the season.

“With amazing stick skills, face-off win possessions, and his relentless scoring abilities, Owen dominates the field as a midfielder.  His lacrosse mindset, and determination to succeed carries over throughout the team.  Teammates feed off of his energy, and that has transpired in another successful season.” – Gary Sundown, Akron Head Coach