The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Wilbur Cross, Hamden pick up several individual wins
NEW HAVEN— As it usually does in state competition, the Southern Connecticut Conference had its share of success on Saturday at the CIAC Class LL indoor track and field championships at Floyd Little Athletic Center.
Wilbur Cross’ Travis Martin won the boys 1600 in 4 minutes, 19.79 seconds, Christopher Pigatt of Hamden won the 55 dash in 6.50 and Rodney JR Davis of Hamden won the 300 in 36.22. Caleb Owen of Wilbur Cross was second in the 300 in 36.41 and Pigatt was third in 36.44.
Among the top FCIAC standouts were Malcolm Going of Danbury who won the 600 in 1:24.01 and Chet Ellis of Staples who won the high jump in a meet record 6 feet, 9 inches. High jump standout Justin Forde of McMahon did not compete in the event.
Final team results for both boys and girls were not available at press time. For complete results go to GameTimeCT.com
For Martin, he couldn’t have been happier with his win in the 1600.
“I was really nervous going into the race because there were so many talented guys I was afraid of,” Martin said. “But I knew going into the race if I held up well most of the race and was in position to use my kick, I’d be okay. To win this is great feeling.
“I got boxed out of line at the start of the race, but I was able hang with four of the leaders about 100 meters into the race. With 600 meters to go I started making my move and with 300 to go I made my final move. The last 200 meters I just went as hard as I could.”
Going said he wanted to conserve his energy and did just enough to win the 600.
“I wanted to run this race to get me ready for the State Open,” Going said. “I didn’t want to PR in the race, just maintain a comfortable lead to win. I knew Simon Jupp of Ridgefield (second in the race, 1:24.61) was right behind me. I started to kick at the end and that did it for me.”
In the girls meet Tess Stapleton of Fairfield Ludlowe had a meet to remember winning the 55 hurdles in a meet record 8.25 and winning the long jump in 18-0.25. Lauren Moore of Danbury won the 1600 in 5:12.18.
“What I did today isn’t what I expected to do, but it was what I hoped I would do,” said Stapleton, who was also tied for second in the high jump (5-2). “I am very happy right now, to do so well in all three events. This performance today has me really excited for the State Open (Saturday, noon, Floyd Little Athletic Center). It’s take a lot of hard work and dedication to the sport year round for me to get to this successful level.
“I tried a lot of sports when I was younger, but I really came to love track and field. I especially love the long jump because you have to go flying through the air. That’s a lot of fun.”
Moore’s game plan was to just run as hard as she could in the 1600.
“This was a really solid performance for me,” Moore said. “Today I figured I’d just go out hard. It’s great to win for the team. Our girls are really having a good day here.”