FAIRFIELD, Conn. When you enter the hall that leads to the gymnasium at Fairfield Warde, a banner with school track and field records includes Harry Warnicks name numerous times. Now he can add another title to his running accomplishments: New England champion.
Warnick won the mile at the New England Track and Field Championships Friday at the Reggie Lewis Center, running 4:20.22. He finished more than a second ahead of runner-up Mike ODonnell of Methuen, Mass. It was the first New England championship for Warnick, who won the 1,600 and the 3,200 at the Class L championships in February.
The Warde senior ran a brilliant tactical race, staying within range of the pacesetters until about 350 meters to go. He confidently surged to the front and stayed ahead for good.
I know that Im within range in the last 400 meters, I have a chance, Warnick said. I love relying on my kick.
Warnick, who was also eighth in the two-mile, was seeded fifth in the event. I thought I had a chance to take this, but I knew it would be a challenge. The only thing that didnt go so well is that I looked back so many times. I must have looked back 20 times.
Warde's win ranks him 52nd in the country in the event. He is ranked in the top 100 in five other events, including eighth in the 3,000.
The New England title added a significant piece to Warnicks accomplishments. He had never won a State Open race, and this was his last chance to win an indoor title in New England. Now he has it.
I was thinking about that, he said. Its my last year, and it was definitely a goal. I was in the right place at the right time. A video of Warnicks race is available on YouTube.
Fairfield Prep's Patrick Corona also had a strong run, taking ninth in the 1,000. Complete results are available online.
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