It was expected to be a much anticipated showdown.  The NY Novas were coming up to Saratoga from "The City" to make their claim that Track Supremacy is theirs.  Ready to put their best foot forward, Olympic Region, Clifton Park Track Club, and Country Mills Eagles were ready for the challenge that has never taken place prior to the Region 1 Junior Olympics before.  But on the eve of their arrival, the wires took on a different sound!

    Head Coach George Taylor left with most of his athletes and coaches shortly after 6:00 pm with Latham, NY their destination, as they were staying at Cocca's Inn for a restful night's sleep prior to competition in Saratoga at the President's Open, the third stop on the Empire State Liberty Tour Track & Field Series.  With only about one hour to go before arrival, tragedy struck!  "I received a phone call from George about 11:45 pm Friday night, and all I could do was stand in the middle of my office without a word that I felt was appropriate to say" said Anthony Mills, Executive Producer of the Empire State Liberty Tour.  The Times Union recorded it as follows:

                        Thruway Accident Kills One Athlete, Injures Seven Others    

    A two car accident in the Hudson Valley killed a nine year-old girl and injured severan others on Friday.  The crash occurred around 9:30 pm in Kingston, police said.  Rosa Johnson, 40, of Long Island, lost control of her minivan and swerved into the far right lane of traffic where she hit another car.  The minivan then left the highway and overturned, coming to rest on the East shoulder, State Police said.

    Anasia Thompson, a nine year-old sprinter from Queens, was ejected from the minivan and died at the scene.  Six (6) other athletes ages (7) to fifteen (15), were taken to a local hospital and treated for various injuries.  Johnson was airlifted by helicopter to a Poughkeepsie hospital for head injuries, and is listed in critical condition.

    In memory of little Anasia Thompson, the Liberty Group has decided to name the 100m dash at the President's Open for her.  The Liberty Group is also receiving donations on behalf of  Anasia  Thompson.  If you would like to give a donation, you may do so by sending along a check or money order to the Liberty Group, c/o Anasia Thompson, 4 Manor Court, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.  You may also call us at (518) 877-0927 and make your donation by credit card.  We hope that you will do what you can to help her family to deal with the unexpected loss of their little girl.

    Pictured Above, Timathy Holzauer jumps a personal best and set the President's Open record in the Long Jump for the Intermediate Boys division at 17' 10 1/4"