The inaugural Ocean Breeze Invitational (Jan. 30-31) in New York had a number of top Rhode Island athletes setting state marks. La Salle's Matt Bouthillette out-kicked teammates Jack Salisbury and DJ Principe to win the 3,200-meter run with a time of 9:05.48, the second fastest time in the nation at the time. Finishing second was Salisbury at 9:06.58 (US #3), while Principe secured fifth in 9:07.35 (US #5).
In the 4x400m relay, the Central High quartet of Austin Wolo (50.4) and Dametrius O'Connor (50.9), Anthony Vega (51.8) and Donatien Djero (49.4) placed second overall with a new R.I. record of 3:22.48. The Knights broke the old record of 3:24.12, set by Bishop Hendricken in 2011.
Finally, it was May Stern's time to etch her name into the record books. The Classical sprinter broke the three-year-old record for 400 meters with a winning time of 55.41, erasing former Purple star Maddy Berkson's 56.30 effort from the New Balance Nationals.