On Thursday Mackenzie Condon made history by becoming the first Vineyard woman to win an all-state championship, by placing first in the pentathlon at the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state championships.
Then on Friday the regional high school senior signed with Harvard University to run track next year.
What happens on Saturday is anyone’s guess.
The signing ceremony took place at the regional high school in the company of friends, family and coaches — many of whom carried signs and blew kazoos. Mackenzie’s success at the state championships held at Westfield State Universtity the day before was still on everyone’s mind.
At the pentathlon, Mackenzie began the competition by dominating the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, long jump and shot put. The 800-meter race was the last of the five events and is known to demolish athletes who have already had a full day of competition.
Track coach Joe Schroeder said he saw the 800-meter race as not just the culminating event of the day, but of her year.
“We have been practicing for the 800 all year, and it came together in that race,” he said. “She smoked everybody, and it wasn’t even close. With that event she put about 150 points between her and the next opponent.”
And she did it while recovering from a cold.
“I knew someone would have to beat me by five seconds in the 800 for me to lose the pentathlon,” Mackenzie said at the signing ceremony. “I was really sick last week when I ran 2:35, but I was healthy this week so I knew I could run faster than that. I could’ve stayed behind and just not gotten beat by five seconds, but I thought all-states is my time to run my race.”
Mackenzie said she understands the importance of being the first woman from the Vineyard to win a high school state championship, but added she didn’t do it alone.
“I’ve worked awhile for this, but winning it in a multi is indicative of the great coaching I’ve had,” she said. “You can’t have someone who is naturally talented at all five. Having coaches who were able to teach me all five events, and to excel at them over time is what allowed me to succeed.”
Mackenzie came to track later than most, not starting until her sophomore year.
“I broke my finger playing field hockey, so I begrudgingly chose track to stay in shape,” she said. “After I stuck with it, I realized if I put some work in to it I could do something special.”
Next up for Mackenzie is competing in the heptathlon at the New Balance Outdoor Track National Championship held in Greensboro, N.C. on June 13 to 16.
“After nationals I’m working at the diner,” she said. “I’m going to savor moments with my friends on the Vineyard, just enjoying our last summer together.”
And then it’s on to Harvard University.
Comments (1)
Comments
Comment policy »