ESSEX – The Hazen Union track and field team battled the elements last week in their first ever trip to the Essex High School Vacational.
Freshman Manny Fliegelman continued to shine for the Wildcats in just his third career varsity meet, posting a fourth-place finish in the 3000m event. Gage Magnuson of BFA-Fairfax took home first place honors. Fliegelman already has posted a pair of top three finishes in the 3000m and a top ten finish in the 1500m this season.
Senior Gabe Aubuchon competed in a loaded field in the 100m and 400m before posting a 19th place finish in the 200m event. Colchester’s Demunga Alfani edged Peoples Academy’s (PA) Myles Marcaoux to win the event.
Sophomore Lewis Lapierre recorded a personal best time in the 1500m for Hazen, won by Henry Nasse of Essex. Fellow sophomore Chloe Dyer competed in the 200m for the Wildcats on the girls’ side.
“The Essex Vactional was some of the most challenging weather conditions I have faced as a coach. The athletes pulled through and competed in both rain, snow, and wind. We were hoping for a nice spring break meet, but Vermont weather decided to do its own thing. Because of all the challenges faced, many learning opportunities presented themselves, like how to warm up and stay warm in those conditions, as well as competing on a very wet track in the wind. Lewis was very nervous about competing in his first ever 1500m but managed to run it and post one of his best times. He is now excited to participate in many more 1500m events this season!” said head coach Kathy Fortmann.
PA sophomore Sophie Beck was over a second better than runner-up Ava Conti of Essex to take home the hardware in the 300m hurdles. Teammates Ella Spears, Rory Monaghan, Sadie Monaghan, and Madeline Hatof dominated the 4X100m relay by nearly two seconds over Miley Chen, Avery Kleintop, Grace Lund, and Jaiden Osgood of Oxbow. The Wolves’ talented relay team are all freshman and sophomores. Overall, the PA boys’ team posted a top ten finish and girls’ squad finished fourth.
Fortmann’s varsity squad will be back at it on Wednesday at U-32. Her middle school team is scheduled to compete in their second meet of the season on Saturday at the same venue.
