By MELISSA DIPENTO
Eight members of the Lenape High School girl’s track team competed in the Girls NJSIAA Indoor Track and Field Meet of Champions held on Feb. 26 at the John Bennett Complex in Toms River.
Coach Gerald Richardson said he was proud of the eight athletes that qualified for the meet.
“It’s fantastic. It’s the largest meet in New Jersey,” Richardson said. “The best of the best were there.”
Junior Emmy Duffey won the 800-meter run, clocking in at 2:13.51. Duffey is now ranked first in the state and sixth in the country in the event.
Duffey’s time is the fastest time in Burlington County history. She is also the second athlete in school history to win at the Meet of Champions. Richardson also coached Lindsay Walsh, who won the high jump in 2008, he said.
The only non-individual race at the competition was the 4 x 400 meter relay, which the Indians finished second in with a time of 4:00.36.
Evann Thompson, Elizabeth Duffey, Allison Cox and Emmy Duffey are currently ranked fourth in the state and second in South Jersey for their time in the 4 x 400.
Richardson said he was also impressed by freshman Emily McGee, who finished sixth in the 1600 meter run.
“We’re proud of all their efforts,” Richardson said. “This was the pinnacle of the indoor season and we were recognized as the best of the best.”
The team huddles up before practice in January.
