Northwest Sweeps Class 4A Team Titles in Maryland

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Led by record-setting performances, the Northwest boys and girls swept the Class 4A team titles at Maryland’s MPSSAA State Track and Field Championships at Morgan State in Baltimore.

Junior Taylor Wright of Northwest broke the Class 4A girls high jump meet record (5-08.25) and won the triple jump (39-7.25). Teammate Editta Pessima won the 100 hurdles (14.17) and 300 hurdles (43.52).

On the boys side, junior Clarence Foote-Talley of Northwest set a new meet record in the triple jump, winning the 4A title in a leap of 50-03.5.

Walter Johnson senior Abigail Green swept the 4A distance events. She won the 800 (2:12.64), 1,600 (4:51.43) and 3,200 (10:22.23).

The Henry Wise girls won the 4A 4x400 with 3:50.45. Severna Park won the 4A girls 4x800, in 9:19.46.

Senior Elian Ahmar of Broadneck swept the 4A throws, finishing first in the shot put (58-9.75) and discus (174-8).

Brandon Tunson from C.H. Flowers won the 4A boys 110-meter hurdles in 13.89 seconds.

Suitland ran 3:18.61 to take the 4A boys 4x400 relay title.

Bel Air senior Kieran McDermott set a meet record in the 3A 800 (1:50.90), breaking the previous record (1:51) held by Rodney Giles from 1983. He added a 1,600 title (4:17.10) and ran on the winning 4x800 (7:55.05).

Frederick senior Jaida Smith broke a meet record in the 100 (11.63) and won the 200, clocking a 3A record (23.91). She added a long jump title with a mark of 18-4.50 and led her team to the championship.

Nyjari McNeil, a senior from Franklin, won her third straight 3A 400 (54.45) and 800 (2:16.00).

“I wish I got it four years in a row,” she told the baltimoresun.com. “But I’m proud of myself, and I improved a lot."

Sarah George from Oxon Hill won the 3A girls shot put with a state-leading 43-9.50.

Senior Davon Carroll of Northeast won the 3A boys 100 (10.62) and 200 (21.52).

Andre Turay, a junior from South Hagerstown, went 13.97 to win the 3A 110 hurdles.

Hartford Tech freshman Caitlyn Bobb claimed the 2A girls 200 (24.87) and 400 (55.84).

New Town senior Brandon James won the 2A 200 (21.62), 400 (47.96) and was part of the 4x200 relay that broke a meet record from 1981, clocking 1:27.27.

Freshman Faith Meininger of River Hill won the 2A 3,200 (11:13.31).

Ryan Lockett of Poolesville won the 1,600 (4:20.13), 3,200 (9:31.2) and was second in the 800 (1:56.1).

La Plata senior Alex Strong won the 2A high jump (6-6), long jump (22-8) and 110 hurdles (14.38).  

Senior Crystal Johnson of Western Tech won the 1A girls 100 (11.99) and 200 (24.86).

Senior Lola Salami of Randallstown jumped 38-2 to win the 1A triple jump.

Lackey senior Courtney Hawkins threw 41-3 to win the 1A shot put.

Largo senior Aaron Hackett set a 1A 100 meters meet record (10.72), and also won the 200 (21.61), 110 hurdles (14.47) and 300 hurdles (39.16). His 40 individual points helped propel Largo to the 1A team title with 69 points to edge out Boonsboro (60).

RESULTS – CLASS 4A | CLASS 3A | CLASS 2A | CLASS 1A

Team champions

4A -- Northwest boys 98.5 points; Northwest girls 78 points
3A -- South Hagerstown 72 points; Frederick girls 100
2A -- Oakdale boys 71; Hartford Tech 101
1A -- Largo boys 69;  Henry E. Lackey girls 116