Sports

Chaminade Runner Thrills in 3,200 Meters

Thomas Awad gets caught along straightaway, rallies to win 3,200 meters at St. Anthony's Invitational.

junior Thomas Awad turned in the most heart-pounding finish at Saturday’s Invitational.

The highly regarded miler added the 3,200 meters to his resume, joining a crowded field along the fast Mondo track at St. Anthony’s in South Huntington. Awad, of East Norwich, broke free from the pack midway through the race.

But with 100 meters to go, Sachem East’s Alex Saavedra caught Awad.

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“I looked back once or twice, a quick glance,” Awad said. “It seemed like they were far away.”

He never saw Saavedra lurking in his shadow. Luckily Awad still had some energy in reserve.

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“He closed hard, but then I was able to sprint him out,” said Awad, who never lost his cool and found the extra gear to kick hard to the finish and win.

Despite the victory, Awad’s time of 9 minutes, 23.73 seconds just missed the automatic state meet qualifying time of 9:20.94. That was the personal goal Awad set. 

Saavedra (9:24.20) finished second.

“I felt like I had something left,” Awad said. “I needed something to bring it out. He did it for me.”

Awad’s thrilling finish was just one of many at one of the biggest track events on Long Island each spring. St. Anthony’s Athletic Director Don Buckley said the meet drew 1,600 athletes from 83 schools. The with 66 points while Chaminade placed seventh.


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