Division Avenue Senior Ryan Billian has qualified for the State Track and Field Championship. He placed first in the Triple Jump, which at 45 feet and 6.5 inches is the longest triple jump in Nassau County this season. He also placed first in the Long Jump with 22 feet and 0.5 inches, and 3rd in the 55 High Hurdles with a 7.70. Billian, who is the County Class B Champion in the Triple Jump, Long Jump, and 55 High Hurdles also competed in all three events at States at Cornell University on March 3.
Billian started Track at the age of five through the P.A.L. program and has been competitive ever since. By the time he entered middle school, he had already identified his strengths in the jumping events. A varsity soccer player, and an intramural sportsman, Billian’s keen athleticism also includes basketball and volleyball. He hopes to teach physical education and health one day and will pursue studies to that end at college.
When asked to describe his championship jump he said, “While I was mid-air, I felt I could do it. Establishing a county record is the best thing that could come out of all of my effort.” He also added that his mom is “even happier than I am.” But not prouder than everyone at Division!
