EGHS Runner Breaks RI Indoor Record In 300 Meters

Jaimee Dorsey, a senior at East Greenwich High School, broke a state record at last week's New England Indoor Track Championships, running the 300 meters in 39.92 seconds. Her time beat the 2003 state record of 40.23 set by Allison Fogarty of La Salle.

Dorsey finished third in the race, which took place at the Reggie Lewis Track Complex in Roxbury on March 2. It was especially sweet because she finished ahead of Hope High School’s Royal Cheatham, someone she’s competed against since freshman year and who came in first to Dorsey’s second in the Rhode Island championship in February.

“I've been determined to chase and beat Royal since I met her at Freshman States … so you can only imagine my excitement to both PR [personal best] and beat Royal,” said Dorsey.

“Right into it, I was nervous and when the official called the cadence for the seeded heat, I ran and threw my mind into what I had to do, which was to beat at least most of the other girls to the “cut in” and block them out until the start of the last curve,” she recounted. “And on that curve I just booked it. To be honest, I was in a frenzy when Royal wasn't in front of me because I recall back to the meet at URI in December, she had caught me on that last straightaway. So, I just put what I had into that and happen to PR in the process.”

“She ran very smart,” said Girl’s Indoor Track coach Erin Newman. “We talked about best strategy in that race and I know she was thinking about it for the two weeks between States and New England's. She is so strong and I don't think she's seen her peak yet. It was a very exciting race paced by Precious Holmes of Hillhouse, Conn., who is number three in the country in the 300. We're very proud of Jaimee.”

Jaimee has one more big indoor race this weekend, at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in New York. She will race the 60m and the 400m as well as the 4x400 relay with EGHS teammates Mikayla Baiocchi, Carolyn Cruise, and Allie Davis. Go Avengers!