Class MM Recap: Hillhouse and Avon Take Titles

CIAC Class MM Championships
Marty Ogden

On Wednesday, Hillhouse boys won five events and two of the three relays to win their first Class MM meet since 2015.  The Academics defeated SWC champions 81.5 to Bunnell's  71.

Senior Manasseh Bekele came away with three gold medals.  He began his day teaming up with Talib McBride, Dale Thompson and Ryan Martinez anchored the team to a 8:07.82 finish.  Bekele came back to win the open 800m in a personal record of 1:56.31.  But he saved his best for last when he came back at the end of the meet to anchor the 4 x 400m.  He teamed up once again with McBride and Thompson and added Naszier Torrence Robinson to set the Class MM record of 3:22.85.

The state's top ranked 300IH hurdler Deshaune Poole earned 28 points by himself winning the 110 HH in 14.88, the 300IH in 39.24 and taking second in the 200 with a time of 22.36.  

While Hillhouse dominated the long sprints, Bunnell kept Hillhouse close by dominating the short ones. The Bulldogs team of Christ N'Dabian, Jonathan Cineus,  Ramsley Exantus and Elijah Henry won the 4 x 100m in 42.46, a time that qualifies for New Balance Outdoor Nationals in North Carolina.  
N'Dabian and Henry also took the top two spots in the 100m dash running 10.98 and 11.97 respectfully.  N'Dabian came back to take 3rd in the 200m as well.

Ramsley Exantus showed more depth in the shorter races by placing 2nd in the 110HH in 15.27.

Bunnell has had a tradition of success in the triple jump and Elijah Henry and Jonathan Cineus continued it by sweeping the top two spots leaping 45-8.25 and 44-10.75.  

Michael Burchell of Daniel Hand surprised himself by setting the meet record and taking over the state lead in the shot put with a throw of 55-2.5.  His throw even broke Hand's 43 year old record in the event.  

Avon girls won their 2nd Class MM title in three years by defeating Sheehan 87 to 66.5. They were led by senior Carly Carpino who swept both hurdles running personal best times of 15.02 for the 100HH and  46.60 in the 300IH.  

Sophomore Rhiannon Richmond also contributed big points in the distance events by defeating  Brookfield's Juliet Bussell to take the 1600m by running 5:18.91.  The two traded places in the 3200m with Bussell winning in 11:22.46 to Richmond's 11:35.36.  


Class MM Boys Highlights

The following performances qualified for NBON emerging elite events.


Class MM Girls Highlights