2024 D1 Outdoor Preview

By Nate Leveille

Girls

As the spring track and field season approaches, all eyes are on Bedford High School, the reigning D1 champions. Having clinched the team championship during the indoor track season, Bedford returns with the majority of their scoring lineup intact, setting the stage for another dominant season.

Top Contenders

• Bedford High School: With a strong showing in the indoor season and the return of their key athletes, Bedford is positioned as the team to beat once again. Their depth and consistency make them formidable opponents in every event.
• Pinkerton Academy: Coming off a third-place finish indoors, Pinkerton Academy emerges as one of Bedford’s top challengers. Their athletes are poised to give Bedford a run for their money, particularly in key events.
• Exeter High School: As the indoor track runner-up, Exeter High School is expected to be in the mix for the championship contention. With a talented roster, they will likely push both Bedford and Pinkerton to their limits.

Sprint Events

• 100 Meters: Soraya Ross of Nashua South, the defending champion, will face stiff competition from Alexis Best of Merrimack.
• 200 Meters: Harriet Barber of Central returns as the defending champion, with Jhanelle Thomas of Nashua North posing a significant challenge.
• 400 Meters: Barber of Central, also the defending champion and D1 record holder, leads the field, followed closely by Charlotte Beaudoin of Timberlane.

Distance Events

• 800 Meters: Fiona Lee of Bedford defends her title, with Anique Poulin of Dover expected to provide strong competition.
• 1600 Meters: Bedford’s Lee returns as the defending champion, with Charlotte Koutalidis of Winnacunnet aiming to challenge her for the top spot.
• 3200 Meters: Contessa Silva of Pinkerton holds the defending champion title, with Kelseigh O’Neil of Bedford poised as a formidable contender. Indoor 3000 meter champ Eli Cross of Exeter can’t be overlooked.

Hurdles

• 100 Hurdles: Anika Scott of Bedford, after a stellar indoor season, leads the pack as the top returner, with Morgan Doherty of Concord following closely behind.
• 300 Hurdles: Thomas of Nashua North, the defending champion, is back to defend her title, with Allison Frye of Nashua North also expected to be a strong contender.

Field Events

• High Jump: Ella Goulas of Concord holds the defending champion title, with teammate Kelley Mickelson poised as a strong challenger.
• Pole Vault: Amanda Robinson of Londonderry returns as the top contender, with Kendall Barton of Concord aiming to challenge her for the top spot.
• Long Jump: Scott of Bedford, also the indoor state record holder, returns as the top competitor, followed by Best of Merrimack.
• Triple Jump: Best of Merrimack is the defending champion, with Goulas of Concord looking to make her mark in the event.
• Shot Put: Mia Getchell of Merrimack leads the field as the top returning shot putter, followed by Carolyn Kemp of Bedford.
• Discus Throw: Jameson Trask of Pinkerton emerges as the top returning discus thrower, with Troia Milotte of Keene closely behind.
• Javelin: Rachel Poulin of Exeter leads the pack as the top returner in the javelin throw, followed by Margarat Montplaisir of Portsmouth.

With the field events featuring a mix of returning champions and strong contenders, spectators can

anticipate intense competitions and potentially record-breaking performances. Additionally, the infusion of talented freshmen and athletes transitioning from other events adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the mix.

With such talent and competition across various events, the upcoming spring track and field season promises excitement, records, and fierce battles for the championship title. Keep an eye on these athletes and schools as they strive for glory on the track this season.

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Boys

With the spring track and field season looming, anticipation is high as powerhouse teams gear up for competition. While Bedford High School holds the defending team championship, Pinkerton’s dominant performance during the indoor state meet positions them as formidable contenders this spring. Alongside them, Nashua South and Winnacunnet showcase balanced teams and standout individuals, setting the stage for an exciting season.

Top Contenders

• Pinkerton Academy: After a dominant performance in the indoor season, Pinkerton emerges as a frontrunner for the spring championship. Their strong roster and recent success make them a force to be reckoned with in every event.
• Bedford High School: As the defending team champions, Bedford possesses a knack for rising to the occasion during the outdoor season. With a history of cutting into leads, they are expected to challenge Pinkerton once again.
• Nashua South and Winnacunnet: Behind balanced attacks and standout individuals, Nashua South and Winnacunnet are poised to shake up the top spots. Their depth and talent across various events make them contenders for a top-two finish.

Sprint Events

• 100 Meters: Chris Stevens of Keene defends his title, with Malik Ogbunamiri of Bishop Guertin closely behind.
• 200 Meters: Stevens of Keene also holds the defending title, with AJ Sebastian of Manchester Memorial in contention.
• 400 Meters: Caden Michaud of Pinkerton leads the field, followed by Brodie Proulx of Exeter.

Middle Distance and Distance Events

• 800 Meters: Nate Mikulsky of Exeter leads the pack, with Jared Bekkering of Bedford looking to challenge.
• 1600 Meters: Jacob Redman of Bedford, the defending champion, is expected to maintain his dominance, with James Brock of Salem as a strong competitor.
• 3200 Meters: Matthew Giardina of Bishop Guertin, the defending champ and indoor two-mile New England Champion, leads the field, closely followed by Jacob Redman of Bedford.

Hurdles

• 110 Hurdles and 300 Hurdles: Christopher Chong of Bedford defends his titles but faces competition from Matt Morrison of Pinkerton, the indoor 55-meter champ, making his outdoor debut.

Field Events

• High Jump: Paul Butler of Spaulding leads, with Oliver Duffy of Winnacunnet as a strong challenger.
• Pole Vault: Wyatt Patterson of Winnacunnet, the defending champ, aims to maintain his dominance, with Leo Garracino of Portsmouth in contention.
• Long Jump: Isaac Nelson of Keene leads, but Duffy of Winnacunnet is poised for a strong showing after breaking the indoor state record.
• Triple Jump: Alain Twite of Concord holds the top spot, with Ryan James of Pinkerton in pursuit.
• Shot Put: Darius Smith of Nashua North leads, followed by Zachariah Rezaoui of Merrimack.
• Discus Throw: Shawn Boudreau of Alvirne holds the top spot, with Darius Smith of Nashua North in contention.
• Javelin: Smith of Nashua North leads, with Alexander Grudinskas of Bedford in pursuit.

With Pinkerton’s indoor dominance and Bedford’s history of resilience, the battle for supremacy promises thrilling competition throughout the season. Keep an eye on these top contenders and standout athletes as they vie for glory on the track and in the field.