Girls Track Takes Housy Title

Last week’s 94-56 Southern Connecticut Conference victory  over Lyman Hall clinched an undefeated 8-0 season and the Housatonic Division championship (4-0) for the Amity girls outdoor track and field team and for its rookie Coach Jessica Belden.

Belden felt that the keys to her team’s victory over the Trojans were winning first place in the meet’s first six events and then sweeping the top four finishes in the 800 meter run.

She also said, “We had a GREAT meet! I expected it to be a close meet and was shocked to see us win by so much. We had a huge number of personal records, which I never expected. While we were all surprised and delighted by the final results, I knew the girls were up and ready for the meet. It was their Senior Day and they also knew that the Housy title was up for grabs."

The meet also featured twin first place performances by Rachel DePalma (pole vault—9-feet, which tied her personal best effort and 400—1:02.54) and Alexa Eldracher (triple jump—a new school record of 36-4 ½, breaking the old mark  of 36-1 which she set two weeks ago and long jump—15-11).

Rebecca Race, Alissa Doolan, Maryssa Kozek, and Cynthia Greenberg combined to win the 4x800 relay in 10:07. It was the same story for Kaitlin Collins, Allison Maier, Eldracher, and DePalma with their first place 51.28 in the 4x100 relay.

Kozek also won the 800 in 2:27.25.  Following her across the finish line were teammates Race (2:30.16), Doolan (2:34.87), and Maggie Jodon (2:23.91). Collins’ 17.77 was tops in the 100 meter high hurdles. Maier claimed the 100 in 13.15, and Lee Ann Beedle rang up a winning time of 5:26 in the 1600. Greenberg won the high jump with a leap of 4-10. Kristen Post added a first place 96-8 in the javelin, and Kate Simon chipped in with a winning 35-3 in the shot put.