HINGHAM — The Outdoor Track Patriot League Championship meet turned into a two-day marathon after lightning rolled but nothing could dampen the spirits of the Hingham team. Personal records were flying across the track and field and it was a chance to showcase both teams’ strength and depth.
On the boys’ side, distance continued to be a force with Travis O’Neill racing to a runner-up finish in the 2-mile and Tommy Simpson 7th in the 800 with a P.R Senior George O’Neill also turned in a personal best in the event. Gavin Anderson earned 6th in the mile to round out the distance crew. The sprinters also blazed through the heat with Michael Blackwood sprinted his 7th in the 100 before helping the 4x100 relay team of Griffiths, Blackwood, Jordan Johnson , and Jahbriel Johnson race to 3rd place. The boys’ 4x400 squad of Tommy Simpson, Kwaku Oppong, Lundon Jackson, and Jahbriel Johnson also took home bronze.
In the field events, Owen Bernard had another monster meet, placing 1st in discus, 2nd in shot put, and 3rd in javelin with a PR throw. Zach Wong added a PR of his own while taking 2nd in javelin. Tristan Campbell scored in two events with an 8th place finish in the 110 hurdles and 4th in high jump, while Josh Greisner placed 6th in triple jump. Harrison Nastou and Finn Collins also had PR performances in the high jump.
It may have been a heat wave with Meghan Koenen leading the way with a 3rd place finish in the 400 hurdles. Maggie Towle earned 6th in the 800, while Maddie Everett added points with a 7th place finish in the 400 hurdles. Lindsey McManus placed 8th in high jump while also contributing to the girls’ 4x100 relay team that finished 5th with Paige Fabella, Elliana Bellew, and Martina Misdea.
Zoe Schulze threw a first-place javelin finish earning a well-deserved Patriot League Title in javelin from this senior role model on the team. The meet also saw a PR time and 3rd place finish from the 4x400 team of Meghan Koenen Lily Walden, Madelyn Everett, and Maggie Towle.
The future of the program was also on full display in the Fresh/Soph events, where underclassmen stepped up in a big way. Mary Kyriss took 4th in the 100 and Elliana Bellew added a 7th place finish. Caroline Macdonald raced to a runner-up finish and PR in the 400, while Lila Brockney and Ian Uitwewyk both earned PRs in the event as well. Bryan Sandifer grabbed 3rd in the mile with a PR performance, Charlie Vanderweil added another mile PR, and Skyla Austin placed 4th in her race. For a team already loaded with contributors, the next wave is clearly charging forward at full speed.
For some athletes, Patriot League Championships marked the final race, jump or throw of the season. For others, the journey continues into the state meet next week. Either way, Hingham showed resilience and a reminder that even after a rain delay, this team knows how to bring the thunder.
The Division III State Meet is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 and Saturday, May 30 at Merrimack College.