By Nate Leveille
GIRLS TEAMS
The defending champion Bedford Bulldogs are coming off an indoor championship and look to be the frontrunners to repeat their team title outdoors. They have historically lost middle-distance star Mikita Berry to lacrosse in the spring, making this season more of a toss-up. However, they still have Princeton-bound Anika Scott, who could score anywhere from 30-40 points—giving them a strong shot at the title.
Concord Crimson Tide was the surprise indoor runner-up. They return an experienced group this spring, and the added field events of the outdoor season only strengthen their chances. They have a well-balanced team with strong performances across throws, jumps, distance, sprints, and relays. On paper, they may be the favorites heading into the season.
The young Exeter girls’ team finished third indoors this past winter, led by their middle-distance and distance crew. They have the pieces in place to make a run at the title, as long as they can cover the added field events. Most of their scoring will come from the 400m and up.
The Nashua North girls were hit by the flu bug during the indoor state championship but have plenty of talent, including Jhanelle Thomas, Laura White, and Tiana Brown. The Titans have the ability to score points in bunches.
Pinkerton is always a dangerous team in the outdoor season. They have experienced sprinters and distance runners, excellent relays, and are consistently well-coached in the field events.
This team race could be one of the closest in years, as no single team appears poised to pull away from the field.
D1 GIRLS INDIVIDUALS TO WATCH!
- Anika Scott (Bedford) – Wrapping up one of the most successful careers in NH state history. A dominant hurdler and long jumper on a national level—if she’s competing, you’ll want to watch.
- Jhanelle Thomas (Nashua North) – A major point scorer since her freshman year, Jhanelle excels in the 100-400 meters and both hurdle events. Her sub-60 400m speed has anchored multiple 4×400 state title teams.
- Leanny Ortiz-Blanco (Salem) – Indoor champ in the 55m dash and the second-fastest returning 100m sprinter from last year. She and the athlete below should have an exciting back-and-forth battle all season.
- Grace Saysaw (Concord) – Had an excellent spring season last year. This year, she has established herself as the fastest sprinter in the state and a force in the 100m and 200m.
- Anique Poulin (Dover) – The returning state champion in the 800m and a New England place-winner. She was out with an injury all winter, but if she’s healthy, she’s the one to beat.
- Laura White (Nashua North) – The top returner in the 1600m and ran sub-5:10 in the mile indoors.
- Alexis Paterna (Exeter) – Finished fourth in last year’s 3200m but is the defending indoor 3000m champion and a New England place-winner. She looks to take another big step forward this spring.
- Ruby Kaupp (Bedford) – Defending D1 champion and top returning pole vaulter, clearing over 10’ last year. How high can she go this season?
- Ella Goulas (Concord) – A consistent 5’ high jumper throughout her high school career. Add a 37’ triple jump and a 17’ long jump, and she becomes a major point scorer for Concord.
- Caroline Kemp (Bedford) & Autumn Fabiano (Exeter) – The top returning shot putters from last year’s state meet. Girls’ shot put was one of the most tightly contested events indoors.
- Other shot put contenders: Lucielle Beem (Exeter), indoor champ Brynn Johnson (Windham), Consuelo Borico (Concord), and Nora Gautieri (Nashua South)—all capable of winning on the right day.
- Jamison Trask (Pinkerton) – The top returning discus thrower, with marks around 100’.
- Mackenna Knapp (Keene) – The top returning javelin thrower, consistently over 100’.
BOYS TEAMS
Last spring, the Pinkerton Academy boys finished as runners-up to Bedford. With Bedford graduating the majority of their championship team and Pinkerton dominating this past winter, Pinkerton appears to be the clear favorite heading into the outdoor season—especially with the addition of a fully healthy Matt Morrison on the track.
Nashua North, with strong field event performers and relays, looks to be the second-best team on paper. They finished runner-up this past winter in a tightly contested battle for second place.
Portsmouth has all the pieces needed to contend at the D1 state meet. Hosting the meet gives them a slight advantage, and they have scoring potential in the hurdles, field events, middle distance, and relays.
Bishop Guertin has powerhouse distance runners like Matthew Giardina and company. Their major point-scoring potential could put them in contention for second place.
Winnacunnet has several top-seeded athletes. If they can find a few more scoring opportunities and put together competitive relays, they could secure a podium finish.
D1 BOYS INDIVIDUALS
- Ceasar Flahn (Manchester Central) – New England runner-up indoors in the 55m and the top returner in the 100m. Has serious speed and should be exciting to watch in the sprints.
- Briggs Catino (Portsmouth) – The top returner in the 200m, as last year’s top six have all graduated.
- Matt Morrison (Pinkerton) – Missed last spring, but when healthy, he’s one of the fastest in the state in events ranging from the 100m to the 110m hurdles.
- John Colangelo (Bedford) – The top returning 400m runner, with a time just over 50 seconds.
- Owen Janetos (Winnacunnet) – Dominated the 300m indoors. As he moves up to the 400m this spring, he could lead a strong group under 50 seconds.
- Ryan Zumbach (Winnacunnet) – The top returning 800m and 1600m athlete. Dominated the 1000m indoors and is set for a monster spring season.
- Sully Sturtz (Keene) – Had a fantastic spring and fall. A top contender in the 1600m and 3200m.
- Matt Giardina (Bishop Guertin) – Defending indoor 3000m and outdoor 3200m champion. Has dominated the distance events for years.
- Jamison Issac (Pinkerton) – Top returning hurdler from last year. A crucial piece for Pinkerton’s team success.
- Ryan Jamison (Winnacunnet) – Runner-up in the 300m hurdles last year and the top returner.
- Eli Benjamin (Spaulding) & Gavin Suchecki (Nashua North) – Top high jumpers from this winter, both clearing over 6’2”.
- Colby Nyhan (Concord) – A pole vaulter with the potential to challenge the long-standing 15’8” state record from 2002.
- Chase Burris (Londonderry) – Defending long jump champion, consistently jumping over 22’.
- Alex Dixon (Keene) – The top returning triple jumper from last year’s D1 meet, with a mark over 41’.
- Darius Smith (Nashua North) – The top returning shot putter and discus thrower. A dominant scorer for the Titans over the past four years.
- Charles Franks (Pinkerton) – The top returning javelin thrower. Could make it back-to-back years with a 200-foot throw into the woods at Portsmouth.
Best of luck this spring!
