DeBalsi, van der Els are Best of Best at CIAC Divisional Championships

Brien McMahon's Eric van der Els and Staples' Hannah DeBalsi were the best of the best at the CIAC Divisional Championships, held Saturday at Wickham Park.

Van der Els captured the Class LL title, navigating the five-kilometer course in 15 minutes, 52 seconds. In the heated team battle, it was Amity over second-place Staples, 93-106. DeBalsi was the victor in the LL girls' race with a solid 18:14 clocking. Glastonbury squeaked by runner-up Ridgefield to take home the team plaque.

In other races, South Windsor's Michael Stoker won the Class L boys title and Mercy's Mackenzie Pias was first for the girls. James Mas of St. Joseph broke the tape in M boys at 16:13. Bolton's Chris Cassello claimed the S boys in 16:57 and Immaculate ninth-grader Angela Saidman was first across the line for girls. Coginchaug's Samantha Drop was victorious in Class SS girls with a time of 18:58 and Haddan-Killingsworth's Cameron Garretts was the fastest in the girls' race.

For results and photos, click here.