After a strong 2018 season, Dylan Herlihy came back prepared to be an even bigger force in the 400-meter sprint, 200-meter sprint, and 4×400 meter relay this season. His work ethic and competitive nature helped to secure top-5 finishes in all but one event this season, finishing top three four times this season, and finishing first once.

Herlihy’s experience proved to be a vital part of his success, as he has improved immensely since last year and has done enough to be ranked 22nd  in the county for 200M and seventh in the county for 400M. (Trackconference.com) Herlihy also tops the Lynbrook school ranking for the 400M this season, and ranks second in the school for 200M behind only junior Alex Deputy. 

Herlihy’s work ethic is also a main reason he is in the position he is now. As Coach Kevin Murphy explains, “Dylan’s success is directly related to his work ethic and competitiveness. Dylan is one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching.” Herlihy’s drive also has rubbed off on his teammates, as senior teammate Jonathan Cabral-Martin explains, “All Dylan does is work hard. His motor is always high. He pushes his teammates to work harder. All that being said, it is really showing on the track.”

Herlihy may get a lot of individual credit for his accomplishments on the track, but he always remembers to think of his teammates first. “The reason for my success on the track team was all thanks to my team. Shoutout to my boys Billy [Miata], J-Mart [Jonathan Cabral-Martin], Shane [Nembach], and Dan [Martinez] for keeping me on my grind. Also shoutout to my mom who came to every meet and hyped me up before my races,” The work ethic that he displays also impacts the rest of the team, as Murphy says, “His work ethic and attitude are something the other runners can look up to and learn from. Those attributes are directly related to his success.” 

Although Herlihy’s run with Lynbrook track has come to an end, the memories he has made over the past four years with Lynbrook track will stay with him for the foreseeable future. “What I’m going to remember most about Lynbrook track is the great coaching staff. I was given constant encouragement and motivation from Coach McNally and Coach Murphy that pushed me to be as good as I am,” says Herlihy. With the coaching and motivation from his family, teammates, and coaches, Herlihy has become one of the best runners in the county. As Cabral-Martin exclaimed,  “My boy is one of the top-400 meter runners in Nassau County. He earned it.”