Rotti Sisters Lead St. Johnsbury To 5th Straight

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Saturday was all about St. Johnsbury at the Vermont Division I Track and Field Championships at Burlington High. Led by sisters Jen and Lia Rotti, St. Johnsbury cruised to the program's fifth straight title. 

Jen Rotti claimed the 300 hurdles title (47.45) and placed second in the 100 hurdles (16.43), long jump (17-1.25) and triple jump (35-8.50). Lia Rotti was equally as successful, winning the pole vault (9-6), javelin (126-6), and capturing third in the triple jump and placing fourth in the long jump. 

"They are the consummate (athletes)," coach Chip Langmaid told the Burlington Free Press. "They show up, they go to work and they do everything they are supposed to do."

The Essex boys were able to defend their title, getting contributions from many individuals. 

Junior Henry Farrington won the 1,500 (4:07.89), finished second in the 800 (2:01.56) and 3,000 (9:04.02). Teammate Ryan Guerino on the long jump with a divisional record leap of 23-2.25. 

Division II 

Moving up from Division III to II, Bellows Falls didn't miss a beat. The boys team claimed its seventh straight championship, while the girls team won for its fourth consecutive at South Burlington High. 

The girls team won the title in the final event, claiming fourth place in the 4x400 relay to secure enough points to go ahead of Rice Memorial, 107-105. 

Hartford junior Kennedy Mullen had a big day claiming four goal medals, winning the 400 (60.71), 800 (2:26.00), long jump (16-1) and triple jump (35-1). 

In boys Division II action, Hartford senior Abayomi Lowe won the 100 (11.50), 200 (23.13), 400 (51.45) and ran on the winning 4x400 relay (3:34.90). 

Division III

Thetford Academy swept the boys and girls Division III titles on Saturday at Murphy-Morse Track Complex in Windsor. 

Cadence Wheeler of Springfield won the javelin (149-9), triple jump (41-2), high jump (6-0), was second in the long jump (21-0.50). 

The Thetford Academy girls barely edged out Woodstock Union, 126-125 for the team title, as they won the 4x400 (4:31.85). 

Thetford Academy junior Grace Davis won the high jump (5-2), long jump (16-0.5) and triple jump (34-6). 

Junior Natalie Strand of Randolph Union swept the sprints, winning the 100 (13.23), 200 (27.22) and 400 (1:00.55). 

Division IV

Northfield boys won five events in route to a team title. 

Richford senior Colby Coons won the javelin (143 feet), shot put (42-5.5) and discus (106-11).

Freshman Grace Tyrrell helped lead Green Mountain Union to a division state title as she won the 300 hurdles (52.45), 400 (1:04.85), 200 (28.55)and ran on the winning 4x400 (4:42.73). 

Team Champions

Division I: Essex boys 159 points; St Johnsbury girls 142
Division II: Bellows Falls boys 127 points; Bellows Falls girls 107 points
Division III: Thetford Academy boys 141 points; Thetford Academy girls 126 points
Division IV: Northfield boys 141 points; Green Mountain Union girls 164 points