Records That Could Fall in 2018?
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Girls' 800
Record: 2:08.40, Classical's Maddy Berkson, New Balance Nationals, 2014
We're predicting a record-breaking season for Nikki Merrill. This is one of three (possibly four) records that we believe the Portsmouth junior has a chance at breaking this spring. Merrill had an outstanding indoor season, one that was capped by her runner-up placement for 800m at the New Balance Nationals where she clocked an all-time best of 2:07.27. Merrill also ran 1:31.79 for the 600m to take her second straight New England title. These two races on the indoor surface proves she's capable of dipping well under Berkson's mark from four years ago.
Girls' 1,500m
Record: 4:26.88, Classical's Maddy Berkson, State Meet, 2014
Here's another record that is well within the reach of Merrill. Last year, the Patriots' standout dipped under 4:30 as a tenth-grader by winning the State Meet in 4:29.70. This winter, she won the mile at the Yale Track Classic in 4:57.99 and then ran a nearly six-second personal best of 4:50.87 in the Junior Mile at the New Balance Grand Prix. That time converts to a 4:29.4 for 1,500m. With the right kind of race, perhaps the RI State Meet again, we think Merrill has a chance to etch her name in the books.
Girls' Mile
Record: 4:52.08, Maddy Berkson, Loucks Games, 2015
You guessed it. Yes, we think this is another record that Merrill has a chance to break this spring. The Portsmouth star has already run faster than this time with her effort at the Grand Prix meet. Due to the fact that RI competes in the 1,500m, Merrill will have to get this record at an out-of-state meet, such as the Loucks Games in May where Berkson established the 2015 record.
Girls' Hammer
Record: 189-3, Kate Johnson, Warwick Veterans, 2001
This is a record that has stood for 17 years and one we feel has a good chance at getting broken this spring. The person we believe can get it done is Ponaganset's Gianna Rao. Rao came less than four feet from the mark last year when she captured the International Hammer Implement Invitational last May with a PB toss of 185-8.75. She also exceed 180 feet a few more times with wins at the Rick Schomp Invitational and the State Meet. Rao broke the weight throw mark this past winter and should be able to add another state record by the time she graduates in June.