Team Detail
Maroon Seniors Shine at Hoxton Invitational
The boys and girls track and field teams took to Hoxton track for one of the longest running indoor track and field competitions in the area, The Hoxton Invitational. This would be the final chance for our many seniors to compete on their home track.
This year’s competition did not disappoint with 12 teams coming into Flippin Fieldhouse to put up some formidable performances as the season approaches championship time. In the team scoring, the boys’ were in a close battle all day with Gonzaga going into the final events of the day. Gonzaga was able to get the best of the Maroon and take the 2017 team title by 3 points over EHS. In the girls competition, the large Georgetown Day School contingent took first place in the coveted team competition and Episcopal took 3rd thanks to some great individual performances.
Dawn Farquharson ‘18 won her preliminary qualifying race easily in the 55-meter hurdles, advancing to the finals with the second fastest time. In the final, Farquharson battled through the first 3 hurdles and was determined to put together her best race and cross the line in first. She did not disappoint, avenging a loss earlier in the season against one of the league's top hurdlers from GDS and winning in convincing fashion. Hurdle training partner Litchfield Ajavon ‘19 took his winning streak another meet, taking the 55-meter hurdles event once again as he prepares for some stiffer competition at the State Championships.
The Maroon swept the Shot Put event with first place finishes once again. Senior Grant Neagli ‘17 led the 1-2-4 finish for the Maroon that catapulted the team into contention for the team title after the first event. Neagli placed first followed closely in second by teammate Chris Fournier ‘17 and Tola Banjoko ‘18 finished up the scoring finishers in 4th place. On the girls side senior Zibah Oyibo ‘17 stepped into the throwing circle for only the second meet of the year and took first place to keep pace with GDS in the team scoring. Oyibo followed this top performance up with back to back personal bests in the 55-meters to take 3rd place overall in the event.
The girls 4 x 400-meter relay was an unorthodox dual between EHS and rivals SSSAS. The Saints actually ran one of their fastest times in school history but not in the same race as EHS. With The Saints having just put down one of the fastest times in the State this year, the Maroon stepped on the track in the final race without team leader and fastest 400m split of the year Bijee Jackson '18. Leading off was Jahsaiah Moses ‘19 (64.5) who ran a superb leg to put the Maroon on pace. Next with the baton was Claire Boehm ‘20 who demolished the field smacking down a 62.6 relay leg. Farquharson was next to put in a 62.9 split handing off to Alli Boehm ‘20 who anchored as well in a new personal best time (63.8) and taking the fastest time of the day overall over SSSAS. Both teams will be looking forward to a more head to head showdown at the State Meet. The boys’ 4 x 400-meter team put in their own dual against Gonzaga to solidify their team Runner Up finish. The 4 x 400-meter participants were a mix of young and up and coming competitors and some seasoned veterans, all of whom I am sure you are going to hear more about after this year’s State Championship meet.
Overall the Maroon track & field team came away with 32 Personal best and Season Best performances. The boys sprint group had multiple personal best performances in the 4 x 200m relay event led by senior team captain Duncan Trau’s ‘17 heat winning anchor leg on one of the 3 teams entered. Freshman sensation Elijah Gaines ‘20 had the fastest split of the day (23.4) just outpacing teammates Vincent Notzon ‘18 and Shedler Fervius ‘18 who also put up their personal best times. On the girls side, Esi Igyan ‘18 had one of her best day’s racing to her all time best in the 55-meters and also her fastest ever split on the 4 x 200-meter relay. The team of Macy Young ‘17, Lindy Moss 19 Kaycie Wang ‘17 and Logan Tyler ‘19 all ran personal best times after a season of hard work as well.
The remaining top performances were reserved for some of the more influential members of this years team - our seniors who have put forth the effort, dedication and guts to enable this program continue its long tradition. From Miikaal Griffith ‘17 in the 4 x 400-meter running a personal best split to match his every day focus and hard work to the trials of miles put in by Abigael Ajuma ‘17 who ran her all time personal best in the 1600-meters. Oliver Randon’s ‘17 determined final lap to run a personal best in the 1000-meters and Camden Alford’s ‘17 impressive day matching her best times in the 500-meters and 400-meters. Robert Clark ‘17 harnessing his excitement for the upcoming golf season by running is best time in the 1000-meters and fellow seniors Mollie Armm ‘17 and Isabel Marshall ‘17 who have been consummate competitors and role models for the next generation of Maroon Track & Field.
Next up for the Maroon is the JV and Varsity State Championships in Richmond, VA on February 17 & 18 where a select few will compete for the Maroon.
