Regional high school senior Mackenzie Condon hit another milestone Saturday at the All-State indoor track meet in Boston, where she became the first Martha’s Vineyard indoor track athlete to qualify for the New England Championships.
Condon punched her ticket in the 55-metre hurdles where she finished sixth with a time of 8.65 seconds. She also nearly qualified in the long jump with a 10th place finish. The first six athletes in each event move on to the New England meet set for March 2 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.
“Mackenzie thrives on that big stage. Her preparation really pays off for her,” high school track coach Joe Schroeder said after the meet.
Condon also has the chance to advance to the national championships in New York city if she posts a time of 8.24 seconds or under at New Englands. Her personal record is 8.58 seconds.
“It’s not out of reach,” said Mr. Schroeder.
Three Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School athletes competed at the state meet, held at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, after qualifying with school record-breaking performances at the division 5 state meet earlier this month. Condon (long jump) and junior Dash Christy (55-meter hurdles) both secured their spot by finishing in first place in their event. Condon also qualified in the 55-meter hurdles by finishing second.
Christy, in his first year as a hurdler, hit a hurdle during his sprint but still managed to finish 18th overall with a time of 8.2 seconds.
“He had to run his absolute best to make it to the finals. The fact that he made it to that stage says a lot about him,” said Mr. Schroeder.
Senior Nathaniel Packer also qualified for the state meet as a wild card. His 45-foot, five-inch throw earned him 19th place in a competitive field that included the top shot putter in the nation, Aiden Felty, who threw over 65 feet.
JoJo Bonneau had also qualified for the state meet but was unable to compete due to a prior commitment.
Mr. Schroeder said he couldn’t be prouder of how the group represented the Vineyard against the best athletes in the state. And he said he is happy to see the indoor track team, which began five years ago, continue to grow.
“Each year we’ve had big performances, but not to this level,” he said. “Just to have more kids involved in the sport is huge.”
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