“Around the Oval’’ VIKES’ JANES NO. 1 IN GWT;
BERKSON 5TH IN U.S. IN GLJ;
DAILEY-HARRIS HEADS N.E. LIST
By BOB LEDDY R.I. Track & Field Foundation Correspondent
12 Jan. - - Joe Velez, the Classical senior and defending state champ in the boys’ weight throw is currently ranked No. 1 in the United States in that event. Velez so far owns a best distance with the 25-pound ball at 76 feet, 11.75 inches (23.46 meters). In the girls’ (20-lb.) weight throw, Rogers High’s Grace Janes currently has the best mark nationally: 50, feet, 6 inches (15.39). Velez’ and Janes’ achievements were included in the latest rankings - both in New England and nationally - by Track Field News.
Regionally, La Salle senior Dakota Dailey-Harris ranks No. 1 in the girls’ high jump with a R.I.-record height of 5 feet, 8 inches (1.73).
Madeline Berkson, the Classical sophomore, currently ranks fifth nationally among girls in the long jump. Berkson has gotten off a leap of 19 feet, 0.25 inches (5.80), three inches off the R.I., state record set in 1985.
The La Salle girls’ distance medley relay clocked 12:12.44 at the recent Dartmouth Invitational, and is currently rated second in the U.S. The Ram team consisted of Madison Meehan, Erin Kane, Caitlin Marino and Molly Keating. How Rhode Islanders rank as of 12 Jan.:
U.S. ranked Joe Velez, Classical, (1 BWT) 76-11.75 (23.46). Reuben Horace, Hendricken (4 BWT) 69-3.75 (21.13). Kevin Conway, Westerly (6 BWT) 66-4 (20.21). Grace Janes, Rogers (1 GWT) 50-6 (15.39). Maggie Dufault, Pilgrim (2 GWT) 48-2 (14.68). Catherine Maloney, La Salle (5 GWT) 46-0.75 (14.04) Dakota Dailey-Harris, La Salle, (3 HJ) 5-8 (SR. 1.73). Maddy Berkson, Classical, (5 LJ) 19-0.25 (5.80). La Salle, (2DMR) 12.12.44. New England (top-ranked) Royal Cheatham, Hope, 55m, 7.18 Madison Meehan, La Salle, 1500, 4:46.20 Dailey-Harris, La Salle, High jump, 5-8 (1.73 meters) Grace Janes, Rogers, Girls’ WT, 50-6 (15.39) Hope, 4x200, 1:44.49. La Salle, 4x800, 9:38.69 La Salle, DMR, 12:12.44 Mark Vuono, Hendricken, 1500, 4:09.60 Jeremy Octeau, Westerly, SP, 56-2 (17.12) Joe Velez, Classical, WT, 76-11.75 (23.46) Central, 4x400, 3:32.22 All times FAT.
