Women’s track and field recently competed in the Little East Conference championship and put on an absolute show. According to Beacons Athletics, the team totaled 68 points with two first-place finishes, four runners with top three placements and multiple athletes who made top five. This total was good enough for third place as a school, something the Beacons should absolutely be proud of. [1]

In the 55-meter dash, the Beacons saw three representatives put up impressive times. Taking home the top spot was the Beacons’ own Dorinda Okorji, who clocked in at 7.41 seconds in the preliminaries and 7.32s in the finals, her own personal best. Not too far behind her was Aryianna Garceau, who put up a preliminary time of 7.52s, followed by a 7.53 in the finals, good enough for fourth. Lastly, Hialeah Foster ran 7.75s in the preliminaries and a 7.87 in the finals. [1]

Next came the 400-meter dash, in which Harleen Bassan participated. She registered a time of 67.37s, which placed her in seventh out of the twelve runners. In the mile race, Jacqueline Earner put on the burners. She crossed the finish line after five minutes and 21.27 seonds, an incredible time that earned her second place in the event. [1]

Grace Colon was the Beacon running the 5,000-meter, and she did not disappoint. Colon punched in a time of 19 minutes and 7.36 seconds, earning third place in the process. This was nearly a whole minute faster than the last time she attempted this distance at the Suffolk Relays, and her milestone came at the right time. [1]

For the 55m hurdles, Garceau made another appearance, this time joined by Delaney Sartwell. The two of them secured spots in the finals with ease, as Garceau’s time was 8.74 and Sartwell’s was 10.88. Sartwell ran an 11.08 in the finals, and Garceau ran an 8.27. Garceau would take the top spot with that time and also set a personal record. [1]

The Beacons’ 4x400m relay squad consisted of Bassan, Foster, Okorji and Colon. The four of them would finish with a time of four minutes and 35.98 seconds, landing them fifth place. Following that event was the 4x800m race, where Earner led off. Following her was the returning Colon, Sarah Cambell and Elia Velez. They went on to snag fifth place with a time of 10 minutes and 52.78 seconds. [1]

It was then time for the field events, where Okorji and Foster took part in the high jump. The domination only continued, as both of them finished with a 1.56m result, a personal best for the both of them and enough to tie for second place. [1]

They also participated in the long jump, this time with Garceau by their side. Okorji measured in at 5.09m. Foster followed her up with a 4.93m result, and Garceau finished not too far behind with a 4.87. The three Beacons took up the third, fourth and fifth spots with these results, adding to their point total. [1]

After all the events, the Beacons ended up taking home third place in an incredible effort. The championship saw several Beacons top their best times, and their effort resulted in a high placing for the school. A group that has worked so hard has now been rewarded for the work they put in. 

According to Beacons Athletics, five Beacons on the women’s team were selected to All-LEC teams for the season. Okorji’s collection of medals earned her a spot on the First Team for the 55m dash, the Second Team for the high jump and the Third Team for the long jump. Garceau was the other Beacon with a First Team nod for the 55m hurdles. [2]

Hialeah Foster racked up her share of spots too, as she joined the All-LEC Rookie Team for both the 55m and high jump, as well as the All-LEC Second Team for the high jump. Lastly, Jacqueline Earner and Grace Colon were honored as well. Earner secured All-LEC Second Team for the mile and Colon secured third for the 5,000m. It’s safe to say this was an incredible way to close out this season of LEC events. [2] 

Sources:

1. https://beaconsathletics.com/news/2024/2/17/womens-track-and-field-womens-track-takes-third-overall-at-little-east-championships.aspx
2. https://beaconsathletics.com/news/2024/2/20/womens-track-and-field-umass-boston-mens-and-womens-track-earn-select-all-conference-recognitions.aspx