by Ryan Mosher
With the fastest time recorded in all of New York State this year, Berlin senior Casey Gilbert won the 400 meter hurdles race at the Section II State Qualifier meet in Johnstown. The victory was not an easy one for Gilbert as he once again took on Schuylerville’s Shane Wagner. Last
month Wagner edged out Gilbert on his home track at the Schuylerville Classic. This time Gilbert edged him out, winning with a time of :53.6 with Wagner finishing in :53.9.
With both runners meeting the State qualifying time both will be able to compete at the State Championships next week. Gilbert also won the 200 meter race on the second day of qualifying. In an even closer race, he edged out Melique Garcia of Watervliet, :22.5 to :22.6 to earn the right to compete at States in that event as well.
While normally the times in Division 1 (large school) are lower than Division 2 (small school), Gilbert, Wagner and the third place finisher all had better times than the best Division 1 runner in the hurdles race. Gilbert is seeded first in Division 2 for States and second overall. In the 200 meter race, he is seeded in the middle of the pack. Unfortunately, the 200 meter race is only twenty minutes before the 400 meter hurdles, so Gilbert said he will drop the 200 to focus on the hurdles.