By Ben Kiritsy
Sports Reporter
This past Wednesday, in high temperatures reaching mid-90s, the Newton South girls’ track team captured another DCL title, proving that once again they can and will repeatedly perform at the highest standards, even when the pressure is high.
Senior captain Katie Collins earned points for the Lions by winning the two-mile with a time of 11:19. Not only did Collins blow away her competition, but she did so in the boiling heat.
“In the past, the heat has really affected my race, and it was such a relief to not have had it affect me today at such a big meet,” Collins said.
Additionally, freshman Addie Marple scored three points in the two-mile with her 6th place finish, demonstrating that South has a strong future as well.
Juniors Caroline Barry and Emily Bulczynski both had strong performances as well. Barry placed 3rd in the mile and Bulczynski placed 4th in the 800. Barry and Bulczynski later went on to be a part of the 4 by 800 that placed first in the meet.
Additionally, the South girls performed well in the field events too. Junior Hannah Katz won shot put scoring 10 points for Newton South, adding to the Lions’ effort.
Senior Clare Martin, who is currently the fastest two-miler holds the fastest two-mile time in the country with a 10:27 from another meet, also helped earn the South victory with her win in both the mile and the 800. Even with little recovery time, Martin was able to show her dominance by running away with both events.
“I’m thrilled about the meet. People performed well under tough conditions. We all trained hard throughout the season, and the chemistry on the team is great now, so it was just a culmination of a good season,” Collins said.
The Lions will be losing a core group of seniors for next season. However, Collins believes that South will be able to produce winning times and develop athletes with the existing group of underclassmen.
“I think everyone will step up next year to fill the lost seniors’ positions. I think the team will continue to excel,” she said.
The girls look to continue to improve at the Division 1 state meet this upcoming Saturday.
