Athletes to Watch: Eliza Rego, La Salle Academy

Eliza Rego, senior, La Salle Academy

After finishing behind Classical's Maddy Berkson during the first two years of her stellar high school career, Eliza finally broke through last year by winning her first state title (actually two) at the indoor championships by capturing the 1,500- and 1,000-meter runs. The Rams' distance ace will once again be the runner to beat  in the middle to long distance events. Eliza has range from the 600m to the 3,000m. Last year she clocked one of the state's best for 600 with a 1:37 effort during a dual meet. But look for Eliza to be concentrating on the longer races, particularly the 1,000m and 1,500m where she owns best of 2:54.76 and 4:29.96 (outdoor). La Salle, which defended its state and New England title this winter and also qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals for the second straight year, has an outstanding distance crew and Eliza will be the leader.