There had been whispers earlier than Saturday’s Meet of Champions that the 2-mile would show to be the marquee race of the day with so many high quality distance runners opting to run that one occasion and never doubling up within the mile.
The deuce greater than lived as much as its billing on the Reggie Lewis Center. Framingham’s Sam Burgess, who made his kick from dwelling with 400 to go in final week’s Div. 1 meet, this time switched gears with 600 to drag away and defend his title in a blazing time of 8 minutes, 59.27 seconds. It marked the third time Burgess has damaged the 9-minute barrier and clearly makes him one of many all-time greats within the state.
Two-time state out of doors 2-mile champion Nathan Lopez of St. John’s Prep had a stellar day together with his second-place end and private better of 9:01.32, whereas Westford Academy junior Paul Bergeron ran a gutsy race for third in a private better of 9:04.07.
“It was a fun race,” stated Burgess, who will run the 2-mile at nationals in two weeks on the TRACK at New Balance. “I wanted to make a move before the last lap. We thought the mile would be super tactical so we wanted to give everyone a fast race. I still feel like I have more in me.”
Bishop Stang’s Jacob Cookinham continued to throw over 65 ft at a constant fee with a a straightforward 66 1/4 win within the shot put to defend his title. Cookinham, who will attend the University of Kansas, is trying to enhance on his fourth-place end at nationals.
“I felt good,” he stated. “I didn’t connect the way I wanted but I’ll take it. I want to win (nationals) and if I get a personal best, awesome.”
Nataenel Vigo Catala of Haverhill exacted some revenge with an enormously satisfying win within the 300 for his second private finest in a row 34.37. The junior was third within the Div. 1 300 in a sterling efficiency that noticed the highest three break the meet report.
Vigo Catala was out quick and defeated Alex Landry of Acton-Boxboro (34.67) and Newton North’s Myles Scott (34.83).
“Every time I’ve run the 300 my start has been the issue,” he stated. “My start was good today and I knew I could win if I had a good start. I love running against those guys. They really push me. Those are the guys I really try to beat. Every time I race I try to win.”
Arlington’s Rowan McConkey rebounded from a disappointing tie for second within the Div. 2 championships to win the excessive leap with a leap of 6-4. “My head was clear,” he stated. “I wasn’t overthinking. I didn’t think of anything and just let the process guide me. Being a state champion is something I’ve dreamed about since my freshman year.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com