Neither the rain during the first part of this year’s SEC Championship Track & Field meet nor the 45-minute thunderstorm delay that followed could dampen the enthusiasm and focus of the Verona High School girls track & field team: They won their second consecutive SEC Championship, which was their fifth championship title since entering the SEC nine years ago.
The girls were strong in every event throughout the day. Verona’s three pole vaulters got first, second and third place in that event. Kate Ashley broke her own meet record in the 800m, got another first in the 400m, and also anchored VHS’ first place 4 x 400m relay. Alex Holland got numerous points in triple jump and high jump, as well as in shot put, and Cianna Winkler placed in both the 100m and 400m hurdles. .
Results: Running Events
400m: Kate Ashley (1st), Alex DeVivo (2nd), Olivia Fiore (6th)
800m: Kate Ashley (1st) Brianna Rigney (2nd)
100m hurdles: Cianna Winkler (2nd), Carolyn Feeley (3rd)
400m hurdles: Cianna Winkler (3rd), Kathleen Nagy (5th)
3200m: Bridget O’Donnell (3rd), Karina Squilanti (4th), Karishma Parekh (6th)
200m: Chelsea Gruskin (4th)
1600m: Bridget O’Donnell (5th), Julia DiGeronimo (6th)
4 x 400m: Olivia Fiore, Brianna Rigney, Alex DeVivo and Kate Ashley
Results: Field Events
Pole Vault: Erin Petrino (1st), Lily Benanchietti (2nd), Francesca Esposito (3rd)
Javelin: Julianna Spina (1st), Julia Cambreleng (3rd), Gillian O’Donnell (5th)
High Jump: Alex Holland (1st), Hannah Maida (4th)
Discus: Gabriella Petti (2nd)
Shot Put: Alex Holland (2nd)
Triple Jump: Alex Holland (4th)
The long jump will be contested at Millburn High School on Monday due to a runway issue on Saturday.
