Centereach High School

Tragedy struck in January of 1997 when a New York City firefighter was shot and killed while running around the fifth lane of the Centereach High School track. To James Halverson it had been just a normal day, drawing to a close with a run around the local track accompanied by his faithful dog, but as he ran he was approached by William Sodders who pulled out a gun, shooting Halverson in the leg and chest.

Sodders and his accomplice were caught, tried, and convicted, but that has not put Halverson’s spirit to rest. Since that fateful day there have been many reports of a white, glowing object in the track’s Northeast corner, and of a man vanishing after running a short distance. People who sit in the bleachers nearest the northwest corner have said they felt as though they were being watched.