PAUL
JOYCE
CLARKSTOWN SOUTH 2000
Excelling at the local, state and national level, Paul Joyce established himself as one of Rockland County’s all-time elite at the middle distances.
The national indoor champion in the 800 meters (1:52.23) in 2000, Paul also stood on the top step at the New York State Federation championships earlier that month with a 1,000-meter effort of 2:32.95. Neither title came as a surprise as they continued the excellence displayed by his not-exactly-expected 800-meter run (1:50.96) to glory at the previous spring’s Federation meet.
That race during his junior year is Paul’s favorite memory of his high school career. “I was a dark horse and winning that race showed me that if you dedicate yourself to something in life, you can achieve it!”
Gold had previously found its way to Paul’s trophy case in 1998 when he carried the baton with authority on Clarkstown South’s winning New York State championship 4x800-meter relay that clocked a fine 7:52.75.
“I was lucky enough to join a program that already produced state and national champions,” Paul says of the conquering Viking horde led by coaches Ray Kondracki and Pete Modafferi. “Both had a tremendous passion for the sport which trickled down to their athletes.”
Of course, an athlete doesn’t just show up at states and nationals and shock the track community. You have to earn your credentials on the local scene and qualify for the big meets. Paul certainly established his bona fides with seven Rockland County championships, seven League crowns, impressive invitational efforts, numerous dual meet victories, and countless practices.
“The biggest thing I learned from track is hard work pays off. If you work hard, you get results,” says Paul, who inherited the mantle of half-miling pre-eminence from fellow Viking Mike Schroer, the 1992 indoor national 800 champ.
Like all Hall of Fame inductees, Paul Joyce’s legacy is his impact on the record books. His indoor 800 meters (1:51.98) is the Rockland County record and his outdoor two-lapper (1:50.96) stands second all time. At 600 meters, he’s No. 2 at 1.21.0, and at 600 yards (1:13.0) fourth. Throw in a No. 5 of 2:30.02 at 1,000 meters, and he’s one of the most formidable middle distance aces this area’s ever seen.
A Rockland County resident since 1987, Paul’s family includes his father, John Joyce; twin brother Matthew, with whom he played sports all through junior high and high school; and sisters Rachel, Ruth and Sarah.
CLARKSTOWN SOUTH 2000
Excelling at the local, state and national level, Paul Joyce established himself as one of Rockland County’s all-time elite at the middle distances.
The national indoor champion in the 800 meters (1:52.23) in 2000, Paul also stood on the top step at the New York State Federation championships earlier that month with a 1,000-meter effort of 2:32.95. Neither title came as a surprise as they continued the excellence displayed by his not-exactly-expected 800-meter run (1:50.96) to glory at the previous spring’s Federation meet.
That race during his junior year is Paul’s favorite memory of his high school career. “I was a dark horse and winning that race showed me that if you dedicate yourself to something in life, you can achieve it!”
Gold had previously found its way to Paul’s trophy case in 1998 when he carried the baton with authority on Clarkstown South’s winning New York State championship 4x800-meter relay that clocked a fine 7:52.75.
“I was lucky enough to join a program that already produced state and national champions,” Paul says of the conquering Viking horde led by coaches Ray Kondracki and Pete Modafferi. “Both had a tremendous passion for the sport which trickled down to their athletes.”
Of course, an athlete doesn’t just show up at states and nationals and shock the track community. You have to earn your credentials on the local scene and qualify for the big meets. Paul certainly established his bona fides with seven Rockland County championships, seven League crowns, impressive invitational efforts, numerous dual meet victories, and countless practices.
“The biggest thing I learned from track is hard work pays off. If you work hard, you get results,” says Paul, who inherited the mantle of half-miling pre-eminence from fellow Viking Mike Schroer, the 1992 indoor national 800 champ.
Like all Hall of Fame inductees, Paul Joyce’s legacy is his impact on the record books. His indoor 800 meters (1:51.98) is the Rockland County record and his outdoor two-lapper (1:50.96) stands second all time. At 600 meters, he’s No. 2 at 1.21.0, and at 600 yards (1:13.0) fourth. Throw in a No. 5 of 2:30.02 at 1,000 meters, and he’s one of the most formidable middle distance aces this area’s ever seen.
A Rockland County resident since 1987, Paul’s family includes his father, John Joyce; twin brother Matthew, with whom he played sports all through junior high and high school; and sisters Rachel, Ruth and Sarah.