In the cold months of November through February, the members of Hingham’s winter track team have prepared for the Patriot League Championship. On January 31st, those who qualified for the meet made their way to the TRACK at New Balance in Boston. Although many of the runners experienced pre race nerves, they were also excited to see how the season’s hard work would pay off.
At the end of the meet, the runners were proud of the results of their hard work. HHS junior Caroline Newth stated, “The girls did a great job at supporting our team, and everyone did amazing.”
Overall, the Hingham boys team placed 5th place and the girls placed 12th. On both the girls and boys team, many athletes achieved PRs (personal records). Senior Mary Slankas accomplished her season’s best time in the Girls 2 Mile. Junior Ally Mildrum also had a PR in the Girls 1 Mile. Paige Bartlett got 8th in the Girls 300m. Margaret Towle also placed 4th in the Girls 600m. Both Margaret Towle and Paige Bartlett medaled in their respective events. In the Girls 2 Mile, senior Mary Slankas and junior Caroline Newth received 13th and 14th place, with Newth just seven seconds behind Slankas.
Other notable achievements include the boys 4×4 relay medaling. The Hingham boys team’s other achievements include Graham Carlson’s second place finish in the final Boys 55m scores, Thomas Simpson’s 4th place finish in the Boys 1000m, and Gavin Anderson’s 4th place finish and Travis O’Neil’s 2nd place finish in the Boys 2 Mile.
In addition to their commendable scores, the runners were proud to report that their support teams were superb. Marshfield’s Bretton MacMullen noted, “No matter who wins we’re all cheering for each other. It’s like one big community.” Even though he participated in the meet on a different team, he still celebrated the community and support of every team. This is an aspect that he believes makes the sport special.
Hingham runners should reflect on their season with pride and continue building as they look ahead at next year, or at the next meet, for those qualified for the MIAA Championship.
