Mount Vernon High School track and field team heads to Nationals

Mount Vernon High School star shot putter D’Andre Shephard had his eyes on the upcoming Adidas Track Nationals in North Carolina as he strode up to launch his heavy ball during practice Tuesday – and the track and field team is raising funds to support that trip.

The senior heaved the heavy ball 56 feet, 4.75 inches – a personal best – and came in first place at the Section 1 Class A state qualifier at Suffern Middle School on June 6. He is No. 2 all time at the school and No. 7 in New York State.

D’Andre will be joined by Omarion Seymour -- who also scored a personal best by running the 400-meter hurdles in 57.16 seconds – and seven other boys, as well as eight girls at the Nationals in Greensboro from June 20-22.

“Hopefully, I’ll be an all-American,” D’Andre said during practice, adding that he devotes up to four hours a day five days a week to keep improving his performance. “I don’t feel too much pressure (about the Nationals).

Boys head coach Akil Berry said the three-day event in North Carolina, which attracts students from across 49 states, is invaluable for his students.

“It gives our athletes experience for college and a look at life outside New York,” Coach Berry said, adding that it costs about $10,000 to pay for the boys and girls to make the trip to the Nationals each year.

A GoFundMe account has raised about $2,000, all of which will supplement their expenses for the trip.

“After another great track season our athletes have earned the right to compete at Nationals,” organizer Charles Winslow said. “We are trying to raise enough so our team can have the opportunity and experience to compete against the best!”

D’Andre’s mother, Avia Waugh, expressed her gratitude to the coaches for their “incredible impact” on her son.

“Their support, mentorship and belief in him have not only elevated his performance in shot put but also helped shape his confidence and discipline beyond the field,” she said.

Ms. Waugh cited Coach Charlie Winslow, who trains all throwers, for his efforts.

“Coach Charlie has gone above and beyond, often stepping in where resources have fallen short, to ensure these kids have a chance to succeed," she said.

Coach Winslow said D’Andre, who took part in his first Nationals last year, is one of the best athletes he has ever coached. He said this year’s meet will provide the senior, who only got into track and field at age 17, with even more experience for college.

“(The Nationals) gives the experience to compete against the best of the best,” he said. “It will only make him better and he will see what other kids are throwing. It’s a nice combination of strength and technique.”

D’Andre has won the “triple crown” – first place in Class AA, county and league – the last four seasons, Coach Winslow said.

Omarion, meanwhile, won at the league and Class AA levels while coming in third in county, he added.

As a whole, the boys scored top three finishes in the 4X400 relay in the county, as well as top three finishes in the 4X400 relay and 4X100 relay in Class AA this year.

“Our relays have been pretty dominant,” Mr. Berry said.

Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith said, "The students, who have worked very hard throughout the year and made terrific achievements, really have earned the spotlight of going to North Carolina for this national meet, where they can showcase their talent and compete against top athletes from around the country."