McMillan among field of Foot Locker Northeast

Back in early November, Emma McMillan won her three straight state title. A week later, she was the top Rhode Islander at the New England Championships, finishing fourth overall.

On Saturday, the stakes will be a little higher for the Barrington High junior, who will compete against the best runners in the region at the Foot Locker Northeast Regionals. If she finishes among the top 10 there she’ll earn a trip to San Diego on Dec. 6 for the finals, allowing her a chance to match her talents with the country’s finest harriers.  

“I’d like to see that happen,” said Eagle head coach Ann Marie Marino on Monday night. “That’s the goal. You never know."

McMillan will be toeing the line against a field that features Foot Locker runner-up Hannah DeBalsi of Staples in Connecticut. Also scheduled to compete is Brianna Schwartz, the senior from Shaler Area in Pennslyvania, a sixth-place finisher at the nationals last year. McMillan ranks No. 13 with her season best of 17:47.87, set at the states. 

As is always the case, the regionals will be held in New York City at historic Van Cortlandt Park. With its up-and-down terrain, Marino feels the venue is perfect for her star runner.

“Emma is a strength runner,” she said. “She loves the type of course it’s on.”

McMillan isn’t the only Barrington runner in the field. Freshmen Grace Connolly, who was fifth at the state meet, is also entered.

“I’d like to see a steady performance from her,” Marino said. “She’s kind of on the upswing. I don’t expect her to finish in the top ten. Just the opportunity to compete there as a freshmen against the caliber of competition is really good.”