Ramelo Peters of the Half Hollow Hills East boys winter track team broke a long-standing school record this week with an outstanding performance in the pole vault. Peters cleared 13 feet, officially surpassing a record that had stood for seven years. The jump not only set a new school mark but also ranks him second overall in Suffolk County this season.
Peters’ accomplishment extends far beyond the county level. With his 13-foot clearance, he currently ranks first among all New York State sophomores in the pole vault and stands 24th nationally among high school competitors. His rapid rise through the rankings is especially impressive considering how new he is to the event.
Remarkably, Peters began pole vaulting just last March, making his progress over the past year nothing short of extraordinary. Despite his limited experience, he has quickly established himself as one of the top young vaulters in the state through hard work, athleticism, and steady technical improvement.
Earlier this season, Peters continued to show his potential on the big stage by finishing sixth at the prestigious Stanner Games, held at The Armory Track and Field Center in New York City. Competing against elite athletes from across the region, he demonstrated poise and consistency in a highly competitive field. In December, he also led the field with a top clearance of 3.66 meters, further confirming his upward trajectory.
As the winter track season progresses, Peters’ success has brought increased attention to the Half Hollow Hills East program and raised expectations for what lies ahead. With his combination of raw talent and rapid development, Peters is poised to continue climbing the rankings. If his growth continues at its current pace, this record-breaking performance may be just the beginning of a remarkable high school career.