June 15, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Midland Park MPHS senior is state champion in intermediate hurdles The first time she attempted the hurdles, Mel Lewis was not eager to continue. But four years later – and just hours before her senior prom -- the Midland Park High School student became Group I State Champion in the intermediate (400) hurdles. Lewis has been running track since seventh grade, and tried the hurdles as a ninth grader. “The first couple of days, I hated it,” Lewis recalled. “Then I tried it at a meet, and was good at it.” She explained that she was able to beat the very student who had taught her how to face the hurdles. Lewis, who is known throughout the state for her speed, currently holds five Midland Park High School records, including the 100-, 200-, and 400-meters, the 100 hurdles, and the 400 intermediate hurdles. “Mel Lewis has had four successful years at Midland Park High School,” said Head Coach Steve Ferro. “She has been the poster girl for our girls’ program. She is recognized and put the Midland Park Girls’ Track Team on the map.” Ferro credits Lewis for her hard work and commitment to her sport. He added that he has also had the opportunity to work with Lewis as her soccer coach. Ferro said he has watched her mature as an athlete who is currently captain of both the girls’ track team and the girls’ soccer team. “She has such a great gift to teach younger players,” Ferro said, adding that he can see the “inner teacher” in Lewis. “She has a way of getting the younger kids to work and compete at a higher level.” After earning the state title at the Group I event in Old Bridge, Lewis said she got ready for the prom in just 15 minutes. She attended the event with Steve Felice, who recently broke his own school record by pole vaulting 14 feet, and was second in the state sectionals in pole vaulting. After graduation, Lewis said she will attend Monmouth University, which has offered her a scholarship to pursue track as she pursues a degree in communications. Mel Lewis (center) pulls ahead of her competitors. CAMP STARTS JUNE 27th , R U Ready? ���������������������������������� Included in Tuition Door to Door A/C Transportation Catered Lunch Included- Camp Shirts ���������������������������������������������������� Boys & Girls - Ages 3 to 15 Full Day 9am - 4pm Mini Day 9am - 1:20pm Magnificent 26 Acre Campus Lake for Boating & Fishing Daily Swim Instruction GPS: 234 Conklintown Rd. Ringwood, NJ 973-831-9000 WWW.SLDC.COM 6-8-11 joan/janine SpringLakeDayCamp3x3(6-8-11) 3 x3”