St. John the Baptist D.H.S. Team Ran Fastest Time Ever to Break National Records

(West Islip, NY) – The St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School 4×800 Meter Relay team broke national records when they ran the fastest time ever in the nation by a Catholic High School. They set this new record at the New Balance National Championships that took place in June in North Carolina. The team’s time was 7:37.93, which eclipsed the 1969 Power Memorial team who ran 7:40.7 in the 4×880 yard relay (which converts to 7:38.1 for a 4x800m).

The team members included Brandon Camenzuli, a resident of Fort Salonga, who placed at 1:55.28. He is a graduate of the Class of 2011 and is going to run at the University of Albany. Seitu Solomon, an Amityville resident, at 1:53.07, is also a graduate of the Class of 2011 and is going to run for Farleigh Dickerson. Hunter Burrell, another Amityville resident, 1:54.06, Class of 2011 graduate, is going to run for University of Connecticut. SJB Junior Sean Ferguson, a Smithtown resident, came in at 1:55.54.

“These four boys loved to race; that is what made them so good. When the gun went off, they believed that they owned the track. It was an incredible ride watching them progress each week from November to June,” said David Wood, Head Coach at St. John the Baptist D.H.S.

Ms. Nan Doherty, Principal, exclaimed that, “These student-athletes and Coach Dave Wood share a love of running and a commitment and dedication to preparing for each competition. This makes their achievements and this national record a tremendous joy to celebrate as a school. They are a great source of Cougar Pride for the SJB school community- past and present!”