Frank Speziale Photo

NORWICH – The REK Invitational seemed to go off without a hitch on Friday, May 5, save the occasional heavy session of rain – Norwich’s boys and girls earned first place team finishes, topping the Sidney Warriors and Unadilla Valley Storm.

This rain failed to slow down any of the top Chenango County Track and Field athletes, as multiple top-end records fell to the wayside during the 12th annual running of the REK.

The REK began the same way it has for the past 12 years, with a 100m memorial walk to remember the lives of Rachel Nargiso, Emily Collins, and Katie Almeter – all NHS graduates in 2000. The trio tragically lost their lives in a car accident on the campus of Colgate University in Hamilton, in November of 2000.

To note how precious life can be and to remember the three Norwich athletes who lost their lives too soon, the REK acts as a way to bring all together – 12 seasons later and one can find some of the top area Track and Field athletes competing all in one spot, in a friendly, yet competitive manor.