The Staples boys track team is the defending New England champion in the 4 x 400 relay, but the Wreckers have their work cut out for them in defending that title.
The 4 x 400 relay is one of the highlights for teams and athletes from Main Street Connect communities as they get ready to compete in the New England Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday in Burlington, Vt.
Staples comes into the race as the No. 2 seed in the 4 x 400, behind Mansfield, Mass. The Wreckers' seeded time is 3:20.64, while Mansfield is seeded at 3:20.20.
Raphael Ray is seeded second in the 400 with a time of 48.40. Jalen Young of La Salle in Rhode Island is seeded first at 48.05. Ray's best time this year in the event is 47.99, which broke a 27-year-old school record.
Staples is also seeded second in the 4 x 800 relay. New Canaan is seeded fifth in the same event, and Fairfield Ludlowe is 10th.
Staples' girls are seeded 12th in the 4 x 400, and eighth in the 4 x 800. Pole vaulter Lexie Schachne is seeded sixth. Darien's Elizabeth Crafford (third) and Weston's Erica Litvak (seventh) are also among the Top 10.
Another team to monitor at the New England meet is the Greenwich girls, where junior Abby Markowitz is seeded fifth in the 800. Greenwich is also seeded 11th in the 4 x 400.
In the distance events, Fairfield Prep's Connor Rog (sixth), Weston's Stephen Vento (ninth) are among the Top 10 in the 3,200. Staples' Henry Wynne is seeded 11th in the 1,600, and Weston's David Stankiewicz is seeded eighth in the 800. New Canaan's Caroline Murray is seeded sixth in the 1,6000, and 14th in the 3,200.
Sprinters to watch include Westhill's Dillin Smith, the No. 7 seed in the 100, and Brien McMahon's Shelly Lindo, who is seeded eighth in the 100 and 15th in the 100 hurdles.
Wilton's Jesse Socci is the No. 15 seed in the shot put. Wilton's girls also qualified in the 4 x 800 relay and are seeded 16th. Results of the meet can be viewed on the Vermont Track and Field website.
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