Mary Cain set the pace for the Bronxville track team contingent Friday as the Broncos girls looked  to earn places on the Section 1 team that will represent the area at next week’s New York State Public Schools Track & Field Championships set for June 10-11.

Cain ran away from the field to win the 1,500-meter run by more than 100 meters in 4:37 as a blustery wind hit her in the face going down one length of the track and pushed her forward coming down the other. The dynamic freshman led from start to finish earning a spot in the state meet. Up-and-coming seventh grader Nicola Phillips ran third in 5:03.

“It was a little windy, but it was nice out there,” said Cain, who has been a state champion in cross country and indoor track in her first season running for Bronxville. “There are certain days and events where I like to run ahead. It was good for me to get out and keep my pace. I really don’t look to the runners or where they are, but run my race.”

 More than 90 minutes later, the Bronxville 4 X 800 relay team proved it was ready to challenge the state when it rolled to victory to qualify in a time of 9:12. The team included Meredith Rizzo, Courtney Campbell, Emilie Hoffer, Mary Cain.

“The season has been good,” the tiny racer (Phillips) said before the race. “I think I’m doing okay.”

Broncos coach Jim Mitchell, who is used to seeing Cain dominate, talked about his young team.

“These girls are very young, but they are very mature out there,” Mitchell said. “Mary continues to prove herself as a special runner and a runner like Nicola – well it’s fun to watch them grow.” 

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