By Peter Najem
The first invites are here! After reviewing the returning athletes and season previews, I took a dive into the record books. Here are my thoughts on the upcoming season and which records might be rewritten by the time we reach New Englands. One thing is certain: the Meet of Champions is shaping up to be an absolute gauntlet of highly competitive races. If I think a record is safe, and you think I am wrong, I look forward to being wrong.
Of course, the Meet of Champions is still two months out, and a lot can shift between now and then. For the athletes, the goal is to ignore the noise, don’t get swept up in the hype, and not to overextend yourself. Stay locked in, trust your training, and follow your coach’s plan. Most importantly, remember your cheering section is larger than you think—you have a whole community of supporters outside your inner circle who are rooting for your success.
On a side note, I am looking to get in contact with any former New Hampshire cross country or track and field athletes who are competing in college; at any level; DI, DII, or DIII. Please reach out to me and let other NH athletes know as you cross paths with them. I am looking to put together some things for the summer and give updates throughout your seasons next year. My email is peter.a.najem@gmail.com.
Girls
Sprints and Hurdles
100m – 12.00
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
While state record holder Grace Saysaw is a senior, the depth behind her is formidable. Keep an eye on Ava Lacasse, Leanny Ortiz-Blanco, and Leiana Cory. The MOC final could be electric.
200m – 24.29
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Grace Saysaw remains the gold standard; until another athlete consistently breaks the 25-second barrier, she remains the favorite. However, sophomore Leiana Cory is the primary challenger to watch.
400m – 55.42
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events. Charlotte Beaudoin and Angela Cenesca have both clocked 57s. They are joined by sophomore Leiana Cory (also 57) and Macy Sawyer, who is carrying significant momentum from a strong indoor season.
100m Hurdles – 13.94
Outlook: Record Safe.
Despite having three athletes—Grace Dow, Bristol Shirland, and Avery Baumgardt—who ran sub-15.50 last year, the state record of 13.94 remains a massive mountain to climb. Expect big improvements, but the record likely stands.
300m Hurdles – 43.54
Outlook: Record Safe.
Expect a highly competitive MOC final between Grace Dow, Bristol Shirland, Sienna Metcalf, and Avery Baumgardt, but the record is not expected to fall this season.
Middle Distance and Distance
800m – 2:06.42
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Alexis Paterna and Mikita Barry both have the talent to take this down. The biggest obstacle is that graduation falls on June 6th, which could impact the lineup for MOC.
1600m – 4:47.48
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Alexis Paterna is the serious threat here, especially considering she posted faster times during the indoor season than her outdoor marks.
3200m – 10:05
Outlook: Toughest Mark to Beat.
This record is legendary, but if it doesn’t fall to Alexis Paterna or Maddy Lane this year, it likely will next year. MOC could be a premier showdown between two of the best distance runners in New England.
Jumps
High Jump – 5′ 10″
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Danielle Bates has this mark in her sights and is the favorite to challenge the record this spring.
Triple Jump – 40′ 02″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Danielle Bates and Avery Baumgardt are the only returners over 35 feet. While the record is likely safe, the battle for the top six spots and New England spots will be intense.
Long Jump – 19′ 11.75″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Pearl Marvel is the name to watch as she looks to build upon her progress from the indoor season.
Pole Vault – 12′ 9″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Julia Hou and Delaney Paquin have established themselves as the vaulters to beat in the state and should lead the charge heading into the New England Meet.
Throws
Javelin – 149′ 09″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Sarah Rzasa is the top returner. Unless an “untapped talent” emerges early this spring, the record should remain intact.
Shot Put: 51’3.5″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Georgia Kondi and Consuelo Borico are the leaders here. Given that this is one of the most impressive records in the NH books, it is expected to survive the season.
Discus – 158′ 09″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Georgia Kondi is the returning favorite and has a legitimate chance to sweep both throwing events at MOC, even if the record is out of reach.
Boys
Sprints and Hurdles
100m – 10.68
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Speed is at an all-time high in NH. Ceasar Flahn, Travis Cavallo, Gavin Buxton, Winston George, and Joshua Pettingell all dipped under the 11-second mark last year. With this much head-to-head competition, 10.65 is officially on notice.
200m – 20.92
Outlook: Record Safe.
This is one of the most impressive marks in the state books. Ceasar Flahn leads a talented trio including Owen Janetos and Ross Stephens, but 20.92 remains safe.
400m – 47.68
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Owen Janetos owns this record, but Ross Stephens—fresh off a record-breaking 300m indoor campaign—should be hungry for an outdoor crown. Expect a loaded MOC final where the entire top six could potentially break 50 seconds.
110m Hurdles – 13.93
Outlook: Record Safe.
John Child and Wayne Crowell are the veteran returners to beat. The competition for the podium will be fierce.
300m Hurdles – 37.71
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Ryan Jamison is currently within half a second of the all-time mark. The only question is after experiencing massive indoor success in the 600m, will he prioritize the hurdles at MOC?
Middle Distance and Distance
800m – 1:50.85
Outlook: Record Safe.
Joe Gustavson was lighting up the indoor track (1:21/1:52), and while 1:50 might be a year away, he’s the favorite. Don’t overlook Will Hart, who is coming off a stellar indoor season of his own.
1600m – 4:07.09
Outlook: Record Safe.
The depth here is incredible. Elijah Bodanza, Jason Robie, Carson Fitzgerald, and Peyton Joslyn are all separated by less than a second. It could be a tactical battle at MOC rather than a record-chase. There is also a possibility for a huge breakout at a meet outside of MOC.
3200m – 8:44.79
Outlook: Record Safe.
Ethan Fischer, Trainor Mailloux, Jason Robie, and Sully Sturtz are the class of the field. While the record is likely safe, the battle for the MOC title will be fun to watch.
Jumps
High Jump – 7′ 01″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Ethan Morin, Oliver Gould, Brody Smith, and Kaiden Okowuga are the names to watch atop the leaderboard and should be pushing each other to greater heights at MOC.
Long Jump – 23′ 07.25″
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
The pits are going to be busy. Osinachi Nwabueze, Ceasar Flahn, and David Walker have all cleared the 22-foot mark. With multiple jumpers capable of 23+, this record is in serious jeopardy.
Triple Jump – 48′ 03″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Alex Garand enters the season as the top returner and the man to beat at the Meet of Champions.
Pole Vault 15′ 08″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Owen Pisinski and Preston Bois are the primary contenders for the MOC title.
Throws
Shot Put – 64′ 01″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Barnaby Diehn has established himself as the premier thrower in the state. While 64 feet is a massive distance, Diehn is in the driver’s seat.
Discus – 181′ 01″
Outlook: Record Not Safe.
Barnaby Diehn is a dual-threat. He has the record and will look to improve it this spring. He is the thrower to beat at MOC.
Javelin – 200′ 09″
Outlook: Record Safe.
Sawyer Penny is the top returning spear thrower. With the field wide open, this is the perfect year for new names to emerge on the podium at MOC.
