Ithaca High School senior Noah Hilker claimed the Class A state championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held June 13 and 14 at Middletown High School. Hilker crossed the finish line in 9:15.78, beating his own school record by seven seconds and earning second place in the New York Federation.
Hilker was also honored with the New York State Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding integrity, respect, and leadership in competition.
“We are beyond proud and overjoyed for Noah, who began competing in the pentathlon as a sophomore and set a bold goal to win the state championship,” Director of Athletics and Wellness Samantha Little said. “Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, he turned that dream into reality while also excelling in the classroom and across all seasons of competition. Noah’s three consecutive Sportspersonship Awards, voted on by coaches, reflect not only his athletic success but also his character, leadership, and integrity.”
Hilker’s state title headlined an outstanding weekend for the Little Red, with several other athletes earning top-15 finishes and posting historic performances:
Senior Everett Shaw placed fifth in the 3,000m steeplechase with a lifetime-best 9:32.01, marking the third-fastest time in program history.
Sophomore Zappy Moss vaulted to sixth place in pole vault with a height of 14 feet, holding both the ninth grade and sophomore records in the event.
Ninth-grader Avery Whittaker earned eighth in the 3000m with a time of 10:11.34 — 10th-best in school history — and placed 12th in the 1500m.
Senior Riley Hubisz set a new school record in the 1600m, finishing ninth overall, and now holds six of the top ten all-time performances in this event.
Sophomore Maren Golden placed 11th in pole vault and holds the sophomore record in the event.
Senior Ella Schneider finished 12th in the pentathlon, recording the 10th-best 800m time in program history.
Sophomore Will Boscia placed 13th in the pentathlon, achieving the 10th-best overall score in program history and breaking his own school record in the pentathlon 1500m.
The boys 4x800m relay team of Everett Shaw, Zoli Nadasdy, Riley Hubisz, and Noah Hilker placed 14th, just weeks after setting a school record of 7:53.61 at sectionals.
Junior Eliza DeRito took 15th in the 800m.
The ICSD Athletics Department provides opportunities for students in grades pre–K–12 to participate in a wide range of athletic programs. The department is committed to building inclusive, supportive environments where student-athletes grow through teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Ithaca Athletics values equity, respect, and sportsmanship, and strives to ensure that all participants—students, families, coaches, officials, and community members—are recognized and respected as part of the athletic experience.