Phouthavongsa second in state

Brockport High junior Tara Phouthavongsa, fighting bursitis in her knee, jumped 36 feet, 11 inches in the Class A Triple Jump to take second place in the New York State Public High School Track and Field Meet at Rush Henrietta June 8-9.

"I was happy since I had never done that well at the state tournament before, but I was upset because, if I was full strength, the best I've done would have won the event," said Phouthavongsa. Blue Devils track and field coach Scott Siegel said, "Her knee was obviously bothering her. She thought about having it drained the week before and, considering she couldn't practice all week, she performed well."

Phouthavongsa finished third in the event at the Federation level on Day Two of the meet. This involves private schools in New York City and Long Island, which heightens the competition. She also finished ninth in the state in the 400-meter high hurdles - "with the knee I didn't run very fast. I never expected to go in the 400, but the second place finish is a good way to end the season."