Class Champions Girls Recap
This Saturday kicked off the biggest test for Rhode Island runners yet, the Class Championship. The meet brings together the best in each Class to push for state meet qualifiers and standards. Large, Medium, and Small school meets occurred on the girls' side, with plentiful PRs, some top marks in the United States, and even a meet record.
In the Large School Race, Classical faced La Salle in a preview of this year's state meet. Classical, however, came out strong with a win in the 3000 meters by Grace Doyle followed by Caroline Janowich sweeping the 1500 and 1000. These 30 points were just the beginning as Classical scored points in every event but one. Christian Cormier of La Salle took their only win of the day as La Salle scored just 51.5 for 4th. Classical won with 139 points as Barrington scored 83 points and Cranston West 75 points. La Salle's continuous success at the state meet level may come to an end, although they may still have a trick or two left to play.
In the Medium School Race, West Warwick and South Kingstown battled for the title with East Greenwich also in pursuit. West Warwick dominated the sprints thanks to the dynamic sister duo of Xenia Raye and Lisa Raye. Xenia Raye came away with 16 points thanks to two runner-up finishes in the 55 dash and 300. Lisa, as only a freshman, came away with 34 points with wins in the long jump and 55 dash, a runner-up in the 55mh, and a third-place finish in the 300. The two sisters scored 50 of their team's 111 points as they went on to win over South Kingstown with 87 points. SK found success in the mid-distance races with wins in the 600 and 300. East Greenwich finished third with 77 points thanks to a successful day from Rylee Shunney as she won the 1500 and 1000.
In the Small School Race, Moses Brown looked to be the favorite but was missing star runner Sophia Gorriaran. It was not a problem as she picked up points by winning the 300 and 600 as well as scoring in every running event. Smithfield, their main competition, had Lauren Boyd win both the 55 dash and long jump. This was not enough as Moses Brown took home the title with 96 points to Smithfield's 69 points. Narragansett finished third with 59 points.
After great battles, both team-wise and individually, the state will prepare for the last chance meet as athletes prepare to compete in Freshmen, JV of Varsity States in the coming weeks.