USATF Niagara athletes turned in a strong performance at the USATF Youth Indoor Championships, held March 20–22 in Staten Island, NY at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, earning multiple podium finishes against a national field of 1,887 competitors.
Leading the way for Niagara was Michael Ciripompa, who captured a national title in the 1500m in the 17–18 Boys division. He added a runner-up finish in the 3000m to complete an outstanding distance double and emerge as one of the association’s top performers at the meet.
In the field events, Mary Coleman secured a second-place finish in the Pole Vault in the 15–16 Girls division, while Mason Strefeler delivered a strong two-event performance in the 15–16 Boys division, earning silver in the Weight Throw and bronze in the Shot Put.
Additional top-eight finishes highlighted the depth of Niagara’s performance. Alasdair Smith placed fourth in the 1500m in the 17–18 Boys division, while Eliza Alderman earned a fifth-place finish in the High Jump in the 17–18 Girls division.