Lewis sprinters star in borough championships

Charles Yim weighed his options: go all out and try to catch Bayside’s Ben Simmons in the 400-meter hurdles or save his energy for his best event, the 110-meter hurdles, in the Queensborough track & field championships at Bayside High School Friday afternoon. As angry and disappointed at the Francis Lewis senior was at finishing second in the 400, he was equally as overjoyed by his decision. Because when the 110 rolled around, he had that extra oomph, as he notched his best time this spring, 14.50 seconds, in his favorite event, leaving Simmons and fellow Commodore, Jerry Saunders, in his wake by a tenth of a second.
“This is my event,” a relieved Yim said afterward. “I live for this event. I train hard. … I wanted to just win and make the most of this last year.”
A season ago, Yim finished third in the borough finals, but he had an impressive spring in the 110 meter hurdles, finishing first in four different meets. Now he will get his chance against the city’s best on Randall’s Island, where he just missed out on a medal last spring, finishing fourth. “It’s real important,” he said. “Because you can go to the states if you do well. Right now, I’m thinking about the city [Championships]. I’m going to train even harder now.”
Yim was part of another banner day for the Patriots, who won their second straight outdoor track & field borough championship with 175 team points. Forest Hills finished second with 85 and Bayside had 70.
Unlike his Francis Lewis teammate, Sushank Chibber didn’t have to capitalize on his one strong event; he won all three - the 800 and 3200-meter runs, and the 3000 steeplechase.
Francis Lewis track & field Coach Ralph Montonaro wasn’t surprised by Chibber’s impressive showing. “I know Sushank’s capabilities and how hard he’s trained and how dedicated he is.”
In addition to the outstanding performances by Chibber and Yim and the three Francis Lewis relay teams that all earned first place honors in their respective events, Khalil Calixte’s first place finish in the 800 meters was the most impressive. Calixte, who ran a time of 1:57.50 seconds, two seconds better than the rest of the field, missed all of last year because of poor grades, but has come back with a flourish. “It’s the moment I’ve been waiting for,” he said.
“This kid’s a natural talent,” added Montanaro. “He can win the city championship in the 800.”