North Shore crushes Class C competition

Another year, another compelling milestone for coach Neal Levy’s North Shore girls tracksters.

The winter season has never been Levy’s pride and joy as cross-country and the spring season are more Levy’s cup of tea. But even the veteran Levy couldn’t help being thrilled at the spectacular performance at the Nassau County Class C championships Feb. 7 at St. Anthony’s. 

The Vikings not only won the team title for the first time since 2020 but won it by a record 40 points over runner-up Wheatley. It’s the largest rout North Shore has ever mounted during Levy’s reign that dates to 2002   

“From a team standpoint, it’s the biggest victory, the most we’ve ever won by since my time being here,’’ Levy said. “There were new names, new faces that haven’t been part of it before, which is nice.’’ 

In all, 13 North Shore athletes earned All-County honors (top 3 finish), including relay runners.

The Vikings’ four top winter standouts were junior Louisa Ludmar, sophomore Joanna Kenney, sophomore Danielle Demillio, and junior Madison O’Donnell.

Ludmar, a junior racewalk specialist, finished second by 0.2 seconds but set the school record with a 7:30.07 in the 1,500 meter walking race. 

“The Maroon” was all over the 3,000-meter run, picking up a first, second and fourth. Kenney won the race in 10:32.55. Second place was Chloe Connolly in her first year running for North Shore’s proud program. Fourth place went to Sophia Marchioli. 

 In the pole vault, Danielle Demilio did something her superstar sister, Sophia, never did – win the Nassau County championship as just a sophomore. While Sophia is competing for Sacred Heart, her younger sister recorded a 7-7 in the county pole vault.

”I’m really proud of the team winning by that much,’’ said Ludmar. “It’s a big accomplishment. We were able to do it because we all pushed each other and are all very dedicated. Everyone ran really well. Everyone in the stands was really cheering for each other, supporting each other.’’

Ludmar is on the cross-country team but as an alternate and plays softball in the spring. Her lone event is racewalk and the Glenwood Landing resident has nailed all aspects. 

“That’s her thing,’’ Levy said. “’ It’s about practicing technique over time and getting fit while doing the technique - not getting fit aerobically running up a hill. It’s a totally different mechanism. You can be great runner and not be a great race walker.’’

And Ludmar has proven great with her perfect stride. Both feet can never be off the ground at the same time. Penalty flags are awarded for various violations. Ludmar started the discipline three years ago. 

“It’s really focusing on the form and watching what the officials are saying to make sure you’re focusing on the form,’’ Ludmar said. 

Levy won’t compare the Demillio sisters since the younger one still has a long way to go. But Levy said, “It’s good to win at any age. The younger you win, the better opportunity to do it again.’’

O’Donnell placed second in the 600-meter run with a 1:40.34, finishing less than two seconds out of first place to Cold Spring Harbor’s Megan Jasinksi. 

North Shore won the 4x400 relay with O’Donnell, Dylan Reisberg, Hannah Sadowski and Annika  Kaelin. In the 4x800 relay, North Shore got an All-County finish placing third with Hannah Choco, Harper Wilson, Ashley Holden and Sophia Marchioti.  

All in all, it was a 40-point North Shore blowout.