New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Knox, Rovelli pick up wins at national meet
Connecticut athletes continued to hold thier own on Day 3 of the New Balance Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Philadelphia on Saturday.
That included wins by Leonaya Knox of Hillhouse and Gage Rovelli of Coginchaug.
Knox won the Rising Stars division of the girls 100 hurdles in 14.43 seconds. Amanda Castaldi of Sheehan was fifth in 15.13.
“This is the biggest accomplishment for me this whole outdoor season,” Knox said. “My goal coming into nationals was to finish in the top six. The combination of determination, a positive mindset and mental preparation and support from my older sister contributed to my success in this race today.
“Now, here I am, champion of the Rising Stars 100 hurdles. It hasn’t even been a year that I’ve been running track and I’ve been bringing home medals meet after meet. I live for track and field now and I believe I was born for this. Winning the 100 hurdles today means everything to me. I am so happy.”
Connecticut produced the top three finishers in the Rising Stars javelin event with Rovelli winning with a throw of 171 feet, 1 inch, Alex Herron of Enfield was second with 15710 and Mark McLaughlin of Stafford third with 156-8.
In other boys events, Nick Canora of East Windsor was second in the Rising Stars hammer throw with 168-2 and Chakour Biao of Hillhouse was ninth with a throw of 144-3. Gary Moore Jr. of Hillhouse was sixth in the Championship hammer throw with a throw of 211-0 and Alex Krause of Coventry was 10th with 190-9.
Joshua Wilkie of Ellington was third in the Rising Stars 110 hurdles I 14.75 and Andrew O’Donnell of Greenwich was 11th in the Championship division 400 in 48.45.
In other girls competition, Alanna Smith of Danbury was fifth in the Championship division 400 in 54.46 and Sydney Segalla of Housatonic Regional was sixth in 54.52.
Olivia O’Connor of Hillhouse was fifth in the Championship hammer throw with a throw of 147-10.