During his time as a varsity athlete at Taconic Hills, Neil Howard has displayed that he can do just about anything he puts his mind to athletically and academically. During the spring months, all of Howard’s athletic pursuits are geared toward track and field. A young man who loves variety got the chance to show off his considerable skills last week.
First, Howard got the chance to compete last Thursday at the prestigious Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, an event first held in 1895.
Saturday, Howard got the chance to compete in the pentathlon, an event featuring the combined performances in the 110-meter hurdles, 1,500 run, long jump, high jump and shot put, at the Luciano Memorial Invitational at Hudson Falls. Howard easily prevailed in his signature event – the pentathlon – as he won three of the five individual competitions to amass 3,223 points. The junior outdistanced the runner-up Sam Hotaling (Broadalbin-Perth) by 590 points.
“I look at Luciano and it is one of my only opportunities this year to compete in the pentathlon,” Howard said. “Usually, I am doing whatever events my coach needs me to score points in. This was a great opportunity.”
For his efforts, Howard has been selected as the Times Union’s Boys’ Athlete of the Week for the period April 24-30.
Prior to the start of his sophomore year, Howard won a national championship in the pentathlon and finished fifth during the winter at the Nike Nationals. He also won a pair of Division II state championships during the outdoor season in the 400 hurdles and long jump.
At the Luciano Memorial Invitational, Howard came in first in the 110 hurdles (15.85 seconds), 1,500 (4:36.74) and the long jump (21 feet, 2 inches). He finished second in the shot put (37-2 1/2) and third in the high jump (5-5 3/4).
“It was tough conditions being cold and rainy, so I…
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