By BOB LEDDY (TAFWA)
R.I. Track & Field Foundation
13 May – La Salle’s senior distance specialists Matt Bouthilette and Jack Salisbury have a commonality besides their track events and choice of college (Georgetown University). It turns out that both young men happen to share the same birthday: January 5th. Perhaps, then, it was fitting that if Bouthillette were to break a state record, it would be one held by his fellow “long ranger’’, Salisbury. That was the case on Friday evening at the annual Loucks Games, held at White Plains, N.Y. Competing in the 3200-meter run, Bouthilette broke an R.I. record, finishing fifth in a time of 8 minutes, 51.23 seconds (= 8:14.9 @ 3000 meters). His performance broke the state 3200-meter mark Salisbury clocked at Loucks last May; an 8:56.55. (Salisbury finished eighth in that race.) Placing right behind Bouthillette was junior David “DJ’’ Principe in 8:51.43. Salisbury came across in the No. 9 spot, at 8:57.61 (= 8:20.5 @ 3000). Placing 25th was Cumberland High senior Sean Laverty in 9:19.19 (= 8:41.3 @ 3000.)
The race winner was Noah Affolder, of Carthage, N.Y. in 8:47.60.
“This is a special event for us,’’ said Vin McGinn, the Rams’ coach. “To have all three guys under 9 minutes was spectacular, and Matt ran an aggressive race. It was a chance for them to break loose. It was great running weather, because the rain had stopped [when the event went off].’’
The Ram girls were also represented at Loucks in their side of the 3200-meters. It was Harvard-bound senior Eliza Rego finishing sixth in 10:40.02 (= 9:56.3 @ 3000 meters). Teammate Karina Tavares came in ninth in 10:44.51 (= 10:00.0 @ 3000). Emily Kane placed 11th (10:50.24/=10:05.6), and Grace Connolly 12th in 10:53.97 (= 10:09.3).
Kelsey Chimiel, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. clocked a winning time of 10:19.39.
“Eliza came through the first mile in 5:15,’’ said girls’ coach Kelly Martin. “She was in a great position, holding second until the last lap. It was an OK time, but we know she’s tougher than that.’’
Oval Note: The La Salle athletes will get back to running for team points at next weekend’s Class A Championships.