Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Staples Track Teams Place Third in FCIAC Champisonship

(From right to left) Henry Wynne '13, Jeff Caffery '11, Matt Wormser '11, and Walker Marsh '13 celebrate their success at the recent FCIAC Champisonship. | Photo by Alexandra O'Kane

On Thursday, February 3, the Staples boy’s and girl’s track teams competed in the FCIAC championships at Hillhouse. Both teams ended in third place, which seemed disappointing to both the captains and coaches at first. However, upon closer evaluation of the scores, boys head coach Laddie Lawrence stated, “We were ranked fourth and got third. We did better than we should have and got extra points so, I am not disappointed after all.”

Going in to the championship, the girls were seeded 14 points ahead of their biggest competitor, Danbury, according to Captain Emily Hanrahan ’11. In the end, Darien placed first, with Danbury close behind, followed by Staples.

“I was definitely disappointed with the outcome of the points but everyone ran really well today and the competition just turned out to be better,” said Caroline Smith ’12.

Besides the over all disappointment with the team placing, individual accomplishments were high. Many attained personal records, beat their seeded places, and placed first in relays.

One of the highlights for boys was the 4X800 meter relay, ran by Walker Marsh ‘13, Matt Wormser ‘11, Captain Jeff Caffery ‘11, and Henry Wynne ‘13. The boys placed first starting off the meet on a good note.

Another highlight being, Captain Raphael Ray ‘11 placing second in the 600 meter run. Only losing by .3 seconds, the race was classified as an immense accomplishment. The 4X400 meter relay, ran by Marsh, Ray, Max Hoberman ’12, and Captain Jack Roche ’11, placed second.

Captain Ben Aldrich ’11, came back to FCIACs after a month and a half of being sick with mononucleosis. After placing seventh in the two mile race, he shared that is decision to come back was a bit too early.

As for the whole meet, Aldrich said “I think we lost points where we shouldn’t have but also gained points where we shouldn’t have so it was pretty much as I expected.”

For the girls team, some highlights included, Lexie Schachne ‘12, who came in first for the pole vault with a height of 10-6. Captain Ingrid Johnson ‘11, who won the open 600 meter race, breaking her own recently broken school record.

The 4X400 meter relay, run by Johnson, Courtney Mullen ‘12, Tyler Scanlin ‘14, and Maeve Flaherty ‘12, accomplished a person best for the season, as well as placing in second.

The 4X200 meter relay, run by Captain Elizabeth Driscoll ‘11, Kelly Bohling ‘11, Captain Kelley Hussey ‘11, and Turner Block ‘13, ended the meet with a win, after the first seeded Danbury relay dropped the baton.

“I was ecstatic about our 4X2. We just left it all on the track,” Hussey said.

Flaherty, anchor of the 4X400 and runner of the 800-meter leg of the sprint medley relay, explained that in many of the relays Staples “was the true underdog and showed up big time” with their performance.

The strong team dynamic that both teams exhibited was prevalent throughout the meet, as teammates cheered each other on and ran to congratulate every runner as he or she finished. Flaherty explained that her teammates, “her wolf pack”, have always kept her going. “The wolf pack has guided me through the season and in my heart, there is a special place for all of the members, and only this year will we all be together.” This group of girls that Flaherty describes includes her fellow workout members Block and Johnson.

Both teams were supportive of each other, as points were both lost and gained. In the end, the runners came together through both disappointment and happiness, proud of the many astounding times they achieved. The teams are clearly ready for the state meet next Saturday.

As Alex Popkin ’12 said, “I’m so proud of the team for trying their best and I know we put our all into every race”.

View Comments (2)
More to Discover

Comments (2)

All Inklings News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • N

    Not an idiotFeb 9, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Dear senya track player:

    You’re wrong.

    Sincerely,

    jeff

    Reply
  • S

    senyaaa track playaFeb 9, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    you have the names of the students wrong from right to left.
    it goes walker, wormser, caffrey, wynn…

    Reply