GIRLS SPRING TRACK

Classical's Hulerie McGuffie will run the 400 meter in the high school nationals in Greensboro, N.C., Friday. (ITEM PHOTO / OWEN O'ROURKE)

Classical sophomore sprinter Hulerie McGuffie ready for Greensboro

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item June 16, 2010

The success of Classical sprinter Hulerie McGuffie has come as a surprise to many people, but if you knew her, perhaps it wouldn't be such a shock.

McGuffie, a sophomore, will be traveling to Greensboro, N.C., today to participate in Friday's national high school championships in the 400 meter.

McGuffie qualified for the event with a 57.4 in the Northeastern Conference meet ... something her coach, Katie Miller, says came a little out of the blue.

"The first time she ever ran track was last spring," said Miller. "She'd been doing the 400 in the low 60s, and then all of a sudden she came in at 57.4 in the league meet.

"Then, we found out that the time qualified her for the nationals," Miller said. "This is all simply astounding."

If McGuffie seems overwhelmed by it all, it's because she is.

"The whole ordeal of going to the nationals is kind of a shock to her, I think," Miller said. "She's very shy ... very humble. But I think she's coming out of her shell a little."

McGuffie, who has lived in Lynn since grammar school, said she began running track in middle school, mainly because she'd always liked running around as a little kid.

"Back then," she said, "I probably did it for fun. When I got into high school, my coach pushed me into taking it more seriously. She really pushes me."

"Right away," said Miller, "we knew we had something special."

To even get to Greensboro, the Classical community had to pull out all the fundraising stops. Not only did the school do all the usual things -- raffles, fundraising events, etc. -- but boys coach Ryan Hathaway donated his frequent flyer miles to the cause. Together, Classical and friends managed to raise enough money to allow Miller, McGuffie and her mother to fly down.

"Everyone was very generous," Miller said. "There was just tremendous support for her. (Athletic director) Bill Devin made it known that he'd do everything he could to get her down there ... and he did."

While down there, McGuffie will probably be nervous, even though she'll try not to be.

"But I always get nervous," she said. "Whenever I run, I always think of the worst thing that can happen."

About the only time she isn't nervous is during the race ... which lasts just under a minute in her case.

"When I'm running, I'm just focused," she said. "All I'm thinking is 'one lap ... one lap' (which is 400 meters). About halfway through, I pick it up.

"It's mind over matter with me," she said. "You just stay focused on that one lap" ... and block everything else -- the pain and the fatigue -- out, she says.

"And when it's over, you feel such a sense of accomplishment that you did it ... but that's when it starts to hurt, and you have to catch your breath."

She knows what she's up against down there.

"I'm running against the best," she said. "That's all I know. I'm running against people who have been training for years.

"This is my first experience," she said. "I just want to see what it's like ... to see what's in store for me. That, and I want to make sure I do the best I can ... and have fun."

In the girls competition, Danvers' wins came from Marlene Christenson in the shot put (33-7 1/2) and Amanda Calderone in the high hurdles (16.1). The Falcons also added six second place finishes to help pull away from the competition. They finished just ahead of rival Lynn English in the team competition.(57.4) to give the Rams their lone first place finish as they finished just ahead of rival Lynn English in the team competition.

Classical's Hullerie McGuffie won the 400 ( 57.4) to give the Rams their lone first place finish as they finished just ahead of rival Lynn English in the team competition.

The other girls winners were Peabody's Amanda Nielsen in the high jump (5-0); Long jump - Lauren Atkins, Saugus (16-11 1/4); Triple jump - Jasmine Bryant, Salem (34-4 1/2); Discus - Kate Mahoney, Beverly (103-11); 400 hurdles - Sarah Bittermann, Marblehead (1:06.2); 100 - Atkins (12.5); 200 - Cayla Bucci, Peabody (26.8); 800 - Wendi Marciano, Beverly (2:25.3); Mile - Monica Adler, Beverly (5:00.0); 2-mile - Millie Chapman, Beverly (11:01.8); Javelin - Clare Pleuler, Gloucester (95-11).

By Mario DiNitto / For The Item

In the girls meet, the Rams (2-7) had winning performances from Katie Thongchanh, who led a sweep of the 100 hurdles with an 18.5; Diamond Doe, who tied for first in the 200 meters (27.2); Hulerie McGuffie, first in the 400 (61.8) and the long jump (16-6); Tashanna Brown, first in the triple jump (31-10); Tatianna Brown, first in the shot put with a personal best 26-6 1/2, and Alison Kurpiel, first in the two-mile (14:30). Other notable performances included McGuffie, third in the triple jump; Tashanna Brown, second in the high jump; Tara D'Avolio, second in the 800; Doe, second in the long jump and Saffie Bangura, second in the 100.

Winning for English (0-7) were Maria Arzu, 400 hurdles (76.1); Bianca Fowler, 100 (12.8); Alex Henry, mile (6:16); Kelly Roland, 800; and Leah Hall, 200 (27.2).

Salem 82, Classical 53

At Salem, Hullerie McGuffie was a triple winner for Classical (1-6). McGuffie took the 100 meters (13.0), 400 meters (62.0) and long jump (14-10). Diamond Doe won the javelin (94-9). Tashanna Brown was third in the 100 meters (14.0), third in the triple jump (30-4) and second in the javelin (92-9). Tatianna Brown was second in the shot put (24-10 1/2). Faffie Bangura was third in the 200 meters (29.0). Allison Kurpiel was second in the two-mile (14:20).

Classical 77, Everett 57

At Manning Field, the Rams (1-5) picked up their first win of the season, led by a phenomenal day from Tashanna Brown. The junior captain won the 100 (13.8), javelin (98-0), triple jump (30-10 3/4) and was part of the winning 4 x 100 relay team.

Hullerie McGuffie won the 400 (1:01.4) and long jump (16-1) and joined Brown, Marina Fernandez and Nora Gomez on the winning 4 x 100 relay. Also winning were Saffie Bangura in the 200 (29.0); Tatianna Brown, shotput (35-10 3/4) and Katie Thongchanh, 100 hurdles.

NEC Frosh-Soph Meet

In the Northeastern Conference Freshman/Sophomore meet, Swampscott won both the girls and boys meet for the second year in a row.

The Big Blue's boys team had six first-place finishers: including double winner Jermaine Kelly, javelin (143-1) and 110 hurdles (15.9); Matt Nardiello, 400 hurdles (62.0); 4x100 (48.5); 4x400 (3:48.6); and 4x800 (9:16.2). The girls team placed first in two events: Nancy Do, long jump (15-7 1/4); and Melinda Wilson, discus (80-11).

The other boys to place first were: Tizauni Boyles, English, high jump (5-6); Joe Manson, Danvers, shot put (42-1); Olisa Obiefuna, Saugus, long jump (21-5) and 200 (23.0); Tyree Williams, Marblehead, 100 (11.8); Ben Martinez, Peabody, triple jump (36-2 3/4); Kenny Pierce, Beverly, 400 (54.4); Noah Mondello, Gloucester, 2-mile (10:33.8); Jake Morris, Marblehead, discus (110-1); Matt Carpenter, Gloucester, 800 (2:09.2); and Chris Birotte, English, mile (4:53.4).

The other girls to place first were: Amanda Nielsen, Peabody, high jump (4-10); Lindsay Gotts, Danvers, shot put (25-8); Jessica Dowson, Winthrop, 400 (74.2); Racquel MacDonald, Revere, 100 hurdles (17.2); Bianca Muscato, Peabody, triple jump (31-1 1/2); Hulerie McGuffie, Classical, 100 (12.8); Cayla Bucci, Peabody, 200 (26.7); Bianca Giacalone, Gloucester, 400 (62.8); Haley Dyer, Danvers, 2 mile (12:04.4); Wendi Marciano, Beverly, 800 (2:22.8); Catarina Rocha, Peabody, mile (5:15.3) and javelin (94-3); Peabody, 4x100 (52.5); Danvers, 4x400 (4:29.5); and Marblehead, 4x800 (10:47.9).

Beverly 91, Classical 30

At Manning Field, Monica Adler won the mile (5:52), 400 (1:03.6) and shot put (29-10) for the Panthers (3-0).

Marblehead 96, Classical 38

At Marblehead, the Magicians had several people come up big including Julia Kingsley, who won the long jump, triple jump, 200 and was part of the 4x100 relay that won. Marblehead also had several double winners including Madeline Piela in the 800 and the 4x100 relay; Elle Rousseau, mile and 4x400 relay; Marina Hare, shot put and discus; Sara Bittermann, 400 hurdles and 400; Kristy Henrich, 2-mile and the 4x100 relay.

The Rams (0-3) had several good individual performances. Hulerie McGuffie won the 100 meters with a 12.9 and qualified for the states. She also tied for first in the long jump (14-8). Katie Thongchanh won the high jump (4-8) and the 100 hurdles and took second in the 400 hurdles. Diamond Doe won the javelin (94-1 3/4) and qualified for the states. Tatiana Brown took second in the shot put.

Revere 89, Classical 42

At Manning Field, Diamond Doe was a double winner for the Rams in the 200 meters (28.6) and javelin (89-7). Tashanna Brown took the triple jump (30-5). Hullerie McGuffie took the 400 meters (64.7). Katie Thongchanh took two second-place finishes (100 meters and 400 meters). The Rams also won the 4x100 relay with Marina Fernandez, Chrismal Broomfield, Brown, and Doe (56.4). Classical is now 0-2.

Revere 53 2/3, Classical 27 1/3

At Tech, Katie Thongchanh was a double winner for Classical with firsts in the high jump (4-4) and the 50 (8.1). Hulerie McGuffie also took home first in the 300 (46.6) for the Rams.

Revere topped the ticket in the remaining events. Briana Scata won the shot put (28-8 1/2); Theresa Santiano-McHatton, the 50-yard hurdles; Colby Hough, 600 (1:51.7); Jessica Simpson, 1,000 (3:34.4); Tayla Hough, mile (6:08.3) and Joanna Green, 2-mile (14:04.2). Classical is 0-6 and Revere is 3-3.

Classical 82, English 43

At Manning Field, Classical's Katie Thongchanh won the 400 hurdles with a personal best 73.9 and the 100 hurdles (18.8); Allison Kurpiel won the two-mile (14:14.3) and Karla Bermudez finished second (15:22.3); Karen Perez won the 100 (13.1, pb); Hulerie McGuffie took second in the 400 with a personal best of 62.1 and Le Nguyen won the 800 (2:51.7).

Revere 64, Classical 62

At Manning Field, the Rams (0-6) had a trio of double and a pair of single winners. Tashana Brown won the long jump and the 100 (14.1), Francis Mathieu won the 200 (28.4) and the triple jump (31-9.5), and Katie Thongthanh was the winner in the 100 (18.7) and the 400 (77.1) hurdles. Alisson Kurpiel took the 2-mile (14:22), and Hulerie McGuffie won the 400 (62.2).

Salem 81.5, Classical 44

At Manning Field, Frances Mathieu won the long jump (15-5) and triple jump (30-10.25), and was part of the winning 4x100 relay team for Classical. Winning the 4x100 relay were Mathieu, Karen Perez, Diana Abraham, and Tashanna Brown. Also winning for the Rams (0-5) was Hullerie McGuffie, 400 (63.0).

Peabody 82 2/3, Classical 34 1/3

At Peabody, Andrea Saccardo was a double winner for the Tanners (4-0) in the 400 hurdles and triple jump. Pinky Ratanajit won the 100 meters, took second in the long jump and was on the winning 4x100 relay, which also included Katrina Petrocino, Katelyn Pinkham, and Mackenzie Carpenter.

Classical (0-4) had several top-notch performances, including Katie Thongchan, who won the 100 hurdles with a personal best 18.5. She also took third in the 400 hurdles (79.2); Frances Mathieu won the 200 (28.1, PB); and took second in the long jump and triple jump. Diana Abraham took third in the 200 with a personal-best 29.2 and Hillarie McGuffie won the 400 (63.9, PB). Freshman Alison Kurpiel took second in the 2-mile (14:07, PB) and Karen Person took second in the 100 (13.3)

Beverly 97, Classical 30

At Beverly, Hillary McGuffie won the 400 and Frances Mathieu took first in the triple jump for the Rams (0-2). Katie Thongchanh also had a good day, placing in the 400 hurdles, the 100 hurdles and the high jump.

For the English girls, the winners were Bianca Fowler, 200 and high jump; Drenusha Jusufi, 300 and 800; Alex Henry, 2-mile; Nina Barone, mile; Ashley Keighley, shot put and 400; and Shakira Llewellyn, discus.

For the Classical girls, the winners were Shamara Lopez, 100 (13.1) and long jump (16-5); Frances Mathieu, triple jump (32-0); Katie Thongchanh, 100 hurdles (19.4); and Lopez, Tia Murkison, Mathieu, and Sarama Faustin, 4x100 relay (54.2).

Salem 81, Classical 40

At Salem, Frances Mathieu's afternoon totaled close to half of her team's points. Mathieu won the long jump (16-4) and triple jump (32-2.5), and placed second in the 200. Combined with her role on the winning 4x100 relay team, Mathieu tallied 18 points.

Also winning for Classical (0-4) were Karen Perez, 200 (29.1); Shamara Lopez, 100 (13.6); and the 4x100 relay of Mathieu, Lopez, Perez, and Samara Saustin (55.3).

In the girls meet, Winthrop's Nicole Giaquinto had a huge day, winning four events and setting a school record in one, the 200 meters. Giaquinto's time of 25.7 bumped former record-holder Danyelle Dillard (25.8) off the board. Giaquinto also picked up firsts in the 100 (12.5), the long jump (17-1) and the high jump (4-10).

Jenny Fucillo won the 100 high hurdles (16.8) and the 300 low hurdles (49.0); Mary Anderson, the shot put (26-0); and Lauren LoPresti, the discus (66.5) for the Vikings (1-1).

The Rams (0-3) had some nice performances of their own. Frances Mathieu won the triple jump (31-7 1/2), and took second in the long jump (14-9 1/2) and second in the 200 meters (28.3). She was also on the winning 4x100 relay that included Karen Perez, Renee Jacques and Samara Faustin. Perez also had a second place in the triple jump and third in the 200 meters. Katie Thongchanh took third in the 100 hurdles and Tia Murkison finished second in the 300 hurdles (54.6).

"I was really impressed with their performances," Classical coach Ellen Moriarty said. "They did much better than last year. The times are improving."

Peabody 112, Classical 15 4/15/08

At Peabody, Andrea Saccardo was a triple winner for the Tanners in the 300-meter hurdles, triple jump and long jump. Pinky Ratanajit won the 100 (12.8) and 200 meters (27.4), Joanna Chanaj, the high jump and 400 meters, and Kristen Surman was victorious in the shot put and discus.

Other winners were Mackenzie Carpenter, 800, and Jenn Pickard, mile (5:50).

Saugus 92, Classical 34 4/8/08

At Manning Field, the Rams swept the 100 in their first loss of the season. Winning the 100 was Shamara Lopez (13.6). Karen Perez placed second (14.3), while Samara Faustin came in third (14.6).

Also for Classical, Frances Mathieu placed second in both the triple jump (30-.25) and the 200 (28.5).

Spring Track is a sport consisting of running and field events and is very easy to improve at. The races range in distance to fit everyone’s strengths and interests. They are:

Competitors may do two running events, one field event, and one relay or one running event, two field events, and one relay at a regular season meet.