Recent Christian Brothers Academy Grad, Brendan Smith is Central New York's newest national champion. He won this title Saturday, June 16, 2012 in Greensboro, North Carolina at the New Balance National Track & Field meet. Hosted by the National Scholastic Sports Foundation, the Nationals is the most prestigious post-season track and field championship for high school students that showcases 2,900 of America's most elite athletes.

Smith, a Fayetteville resident, won the 2000m Steeplechase with a time of 5 minutes, 55 seconds. He was joined by his family, friends, and future coaches from the University of Pennsylvania where he will attend this fall.