Representing Nassau County and Calhoun High School, senior Cristin Rodriguez traveled to the New Balance Track and Field Center in New York City on March 10 to compete in her third consecutive Track and Field National Championships.  

Rodriguez, who ran the 60-meter hurdles, went up against state champions from Virginia, Texas and Florida. 

“This didn’t phase Cristin one bit,” said coach Joseph Migliano. “She got to her lane focused and determined knowing this would be her last indoor race as a high school athlete.” 

The gun went off and Rodriguez had a smooth start as she quickly jumped over each hurdle. She took second in her heat running a time of 9.10 — a personal best and the second fastest time in nationals. 

“It was a terrific end to the season for Cristin,” Migliano said. “We’ve been training since the end of spring nationals last year for a situation just like this and we were both really happy with the outcome.”

Cristin had taken four to five weeks off after pulling a hamstring during the middle of the winter season, Migliano explained. “Every day, we worked on her hamstring and she would be at practice to mentor the younger athletes; she really is a very special young woman.”

Despite the injury, Rodriguez finished the season running the fastest time she ever had and finished second in New York State. 

“This winter season has probably been the best one of my high school experience so far,” Rodriguez said. “It was definitely a season full of growth, training to get better and learning to have the confidence to run against some of the best girls in the state and nation.”

She also attributed a part of her success to Migliano. “He definitely helped me succeed throughout this season and prepared me to run the best personal records throughout high school,” Rodriguez said. “I’m very happy with what I’ve accomplished in winter and I hope to have an even better spring season.”