The Monsignor Edward Pace Track and Field teams concluded their season last week at the Class 2A District 16 Track & Field Championships. The meet, hosted by Jackson Senior High School at the Traz Powell Stadium at Miami-Dade College North Campus, included 12 teams and over 500 participants.
On the girl's side, the 4 x 800m was led by senior Nina Pulley who will be attending Oberlin College this fall. Juniors Natalie Fernandez, Naja Murphy and Nicole Diaz continued the race, recording their fastest relay event of the year at 11:06, placing 5th overall and setting a new Pace High School record.
Freshman Josephine Lethner recorded her best long jump of the season at 13 feet, a major improvement from her previous 12'2". Freshman Ashley Rey had her chance in her open events and she capitalized on both opportunities. She recorded her career best in the mile at 7:26 and the 800m with 3:10.
On the boy's side, seniors Dimitri Wolf and Peter Paul Grootens had stellar performances, both qualifying for next week's Class 2A Region 4 Championships in Miramar.
Wolf, a Notre Dame hopeful, claimed the District Championship as runner-up in the mile and 800m. Teammate Grootens, who will be attending FSU this fall, claimed the District Championship as runner-up in the 3200m, and third in the mile.
Freshman Matthew Figueroa had a challenging assignment for Districts. He was the only Spartan of the day with three events, though he held his own. He led off the 4 x 800m in a sub 2:25 split, ran the mile in 5:21 and finished the day with the two miles in 11:40.
Other great performances came from teammates Chris Ventura, Andrew Sanchez, Avery Canty, Chad Fowler and Chris Murphy.
For the 100m, Edward Medina performed a personal best at 11.6, and Robert Harding at 11.62. Erick Cadet, Arturo Quintana, Vlad Rochebrun, Holden Placide, and Robert Harding all participated in the 4 X 100m, and Chad Flower, Andres Perez, Antonion D'Argenzio and Gregory Louis performed in the 4 X 400m. Matthew Figueroa, Adam Riberiaud, Ezekiel Jackson, and McAllen Florestal all competed in the 4 X 800m race and honorable mentions go out to teammates Richard Estrada and Andres Reyes.
Track and Field coach Johann Odermatt and the team will now move on to regional competitions.