Sentinels tracksters find strength in numbers
The Smithfield girls outdoor track team is ``probably the largest and deepest’’ squad John Marchand has had an opportunity to coach in his 15 years at the Sentinels’ helm.
On Saturday, that depth translated into a decisive victory at the R.I. Interscholastic League Class C Championships at Middletown High School.
Posting 20 top-3 finishes, including 10 victories, Smithfield compiled 232 ½ points en route to capturing the Class C title.
``There are some great athletes in Class C,’’ said Marchand. ``Fortunately, we not only have strong athletes, we have a lot of them. We have three or four quality athletes in many of the events. So it really becomes a numbers game.’’
Click below to read more about Smithfield's top finishers.
Smithfield dominated the throws events, with Stephanie Bucci leading the way. The senior captain won both the shot put (31 feet, 9 ½ inches) and the hammer throw (114-5) and placed second behind sophomore teammate Megan Skwirz (102-1) in the discus with her throw of 94-04.
Colleen Brague, a freshman, took first in the javelin with a toss of 111-3 and also showed her versatility by winning the 200-meter dash in 28.5 seconds.
``Our throwing team has been on the money all year,’’ said Marchand. ``I think it’s the best throwing group I’ve ever had. It’s certainly one of the better throwing groups I’ve had.’’
Other Sentinels bringing home the gold were Alyssa Riley (400 meters, 1:02:40), Erin Alexander (100-meter hurdles, 17:10), Jen Vincent (pole vault, 7-6) and both the 4x100-meter (51:80) and 4x400-meter (4:26.6) relay teams.
``Everyone did what they needed to do,’’ said Marchand. ``Nobody really had an off day. When you have depth and everyone's solid, your margin of victory is going to go up.’’
Comments
I was excited that Colleen won the Javelin at the Class Meet. However, it was her sister, Kelley Brague(a senior) that won the 200 meter dash. We were so happy for the sisters!
Posted by: Lesley Brague | May 27, 2006 3:32 PM