This is the End

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post, as this marks the end to one of the best seasons I have ever been a part of. The state sectional meet is over and all but a few girls are done for the year. That is not to imply that the meet was not a huge success though. A number of top performances were turned in, and I didn't see one person who wasn't putting everything they could into this one last competition.

• On Friday Paula and Emily both placed in the top 15 in the 100m with Paula running her season best time. Also on Friday, Dorrie Lee placed 13th in the 400m Hurdles. But the standout performance of the first day was Paula's 6th place in the Long Jump. It is a good sign when you can qualify for States, jump 16-9 and still be a little disappointed.

• Saturday brought even more outstanding performances. In the javelin Jenn and Michelle both PB'd and made it back to finals. Jen's throw of 106' was enough for a fifth place and a place in the state meet. I am certain Michelle will be there next year. In the discus Emily added another 5 feet to her PB from the frosh soph meet and made it to the final throws. Her 97' 2" gave her an 8th place finish and is a sign of great throws next year. Giulia PB'd in the triple jump with a 29' 5" jump which was easily over 30' if she had actually taken off from the board. Meanwhile on the track, Julianne Kodack ran the 800 for only the second time in her life and with a 2:29 finished 15th overall. I can't wait to see what she can do with a little more experience and training for that race. All three girls (Katie, Lillia, and Cathay) finished in the top 15 in the 3200m, with Katie running a personal best 12:00 to finish 9th. Lilia's 12:30 was also a season best. In the 200m, Emily continued to improve with a personal best of 27.00 and a 16th place. The day was capped off by an amazing 4x400. Running in the unseeded heat, Emily blasted open a lead right from the beginning with a 62 split. Paula opened up the lead even further with another 62 split. With no one torun against Dorrie and Julianne had to push themselves, but in the end the team ran a 4:11 (the best time all season) and bumped into 6th place.

Paula, Dorrie, Julianne, Emily and Jen will be competing Saturday at South Plainfield High School in the State Group III Championships - an honor only 24 athletes in the state get for each event. Paula will also be jumping Friday afternoon when she will be looking for a medal and a school record. Good luck to all of you.