This week, a couple youngins garner our attention as HOKA Athletes of the Week. Congratulations to both Olivia Richard of Conant Middle School and Bocelli Howland-Vlahakis! Olivia Richard won the D4 NH Middle School State Championship held at CBNA this past weekend. She ran a superbly patient race which did not see her take the lead until about 600 meters remaining. Despite the rain and mud, Richard crossed the finish line in a superb time of 12:09. Look for her next year at Conant High School and representing Valhalla during the Junior Olympic season.
Bocelli Howland-Vlahakis from Gilford is only a freshman and yet he won the storied Capital Area Championship. When was the last time a freshman won the boys’ race at Capital Area. He did it while pushing the pace the entire distance. He did not sit and kick, he ran his race. Ironically, last year another Gilford athlete won Capital Area and was award HOKA Athlete of the Week. That’s right Patrick Gandini who happened to be a senior. Again, when was the last time a freshman won Capital Area?
Congratulations to both Olivia and Bocelli, this week’s HOKA Athletes of the Week!
