LCHS GIRLS TRACK  2011-12

Girl’s Head Coach: Lauren Abernathy

Saffinatu Bangura Stands Out

By JOYCE EREKSON / The Daily Item

Classical's Bangura wins 55-meter at State Meet

By Kevin Doyle / For The Item

Classical senior Saffi Bangura sprinted to a 55-meter victory in a personal best time of 7.53 seconds Saturday at the Massachusetts State Coaches Invitational track meet at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

A number of other Rams turned in personal bests, including Rebecca Potter in the 300 (45.6) and Krista Cuozzo in the 600 (1:52).
 

 

LYNN — Sometimes it just takes a little push to get going.

Classical High senior Saffinatu Bangura didn’t take up track until her sophomore year and that was only because a friend talked her into it.

“I told her ‘I don’t want to run. I’m not a good runner,” but I ended up doing it,” Bangura said.

For a while, it looked like Bangura might be right about not be cut out for the sport. She was put in the two mile and didn’t have a whole lot of success. By the end of the winter season, she was ready to hang up her running shoes, but she decided to give spring track a try.

Bangura said she was initially pegged to do the mile, but she asked coach Katie Miller if she could run the 100 in a junior varsity meet. The rest, as they say, is history.

“I think I had a better time than the girl running it for varsity,” Bangura said. “I never ran in my life. I didn’t know I was that fast.”

Bangura found a home as a sprinter and as a member of the 4 x 100 relay that went to the nationals in North Carolina last year.. Her success (she’s undefeated in the 50 during regular conference meets the last two years) has been one of the keys in the resurgence of the Rams’ track program. Another has been teammate senior Hulerie McGuffie, who qualified for the nationals two years ago and inspired Bangura to want to make that trip to North Carolina as well.

“I wanted to know how it felt to go there and run,” Bangura said. “When our team made it I was very happy. I was crying.”

Indoor track coach Lauren Phelps said the girls team now has about 50 girls and is doing well.

“She (Bangura) absolutely has been a big part of the turnaround of the program,” indoor track coach Lauren Phelps said. .”

Bangura was born in Sierra Leone, a country located on the west coach of Africa, and lived the West African country of Gambia until her family immigrated to the United States when she was seven years old. She attended Connery Elementary School and Breed Middle School before going to Classical.

Bangura didn’t speak English when she arrived, but she said she picked the language up fairly quickly. The one thing she remembers about when she first arrived in Lynn was the weather.

“I was terrified of the cold and snow,” she said. “Where I lived I was used to the hot weather.”

Although she would like to run at the college level, Bangura said the most important thing is getting the education. The aspiring pediatric nurse said regardless of how far track takes her, it’s been a good experience.

“I have so many friends,” she said. “When you do sports, that’s how you meet people and become friends with people.”

Bangura, who was recently recognized for having perfect attendance, is a captain in both indoor track and spring track.

“She’s a great kid. She’s awesome to coach,” Phelps said. “She’s a quiet leader, but she keeps the girls on track. She’s a good role model for younger kids.”
 

 

 Classical Girls Track Team wins its final meet of

the season over rival English 58-28 at Tech !!

Saffinatu Bangura warms up with the rest of the Classical girls track team. (Item Photo / Paula Muller)


Classical coach Lauren Phelps was very pleased with her team's season as a whole.

"My team had a very strong season this year. All my girls improved as the season progressed, and we will have five girls participating in states," Phelps said.

Winners for Classical (3-4) were: Adrianna Raymond, shot put (28-3 1/2); Carla Altema, 55 meter hurdles (8.2); Saffie Bangura, 50 dash (6.6); Anna Wargo, 300 meters (46.6); Jennifer Ierardi, 600 (1:55.8) and Kathy Perez, 1,000 (4:00.17). Bangura is a senior captain, who has been undefeated in conference meets over the past two years. For English, winners were: Ridrelli Gruillon, high jump (4-2); Karla Ross, mile (6:30.5) and Taylor Holey, 2-mile (15:18). English finished the season at 2-5.
 

 

Classical 53, Saugus 33

 At Peabody on Wednesday, the Rams took seven firsts including two by Anna Wargo. Wargo qualified for the states in the 300 (yards) with a 40.9. She was also on the winning relay team that included Saffi Bangura, Rebecca Potter and Jen Gaudet. Carla Altema won the hurdles Bangura, the 45-dash; Alison Kurpiel, mile; Jen Ierardi, 600, and Kathy Perez, 1,000.

Schedule

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15TH      DANVERS VS LC  @ BEVERLY HS   4PM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH       SALEM VS LC @ LYNN TECH  7PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29TH       MARBLEHEAD VS LC @ MARBLEHEAD  2PM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4TH     CLASSICAL VS WINTHROP @ LYNN TECH  7PM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11TH   SAUGUS VS LC @ GLOUCESTER 5PM

MONDAY, JANUARY 16TH         LC VS SWAMPSCOTT @ SWAMPSCOTT 10AM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25TH   LC VS LE @ LYNN TECH 7PM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND      NEC LEAGUE MEET  REGGIE LEWIS CENTER  4:30PM – 7:30PM

NEC Freshmen-Sophomore Meet

GIRLS

High Jump: Lily Cummings, Marblehead, 4-6; Deema Hijleh, Salem; Amy Sena, Winthrop (4-4).

Shot put: Katie Gallo, Peabody, 30-7; Ashley Jurovich, Winthrop (28-8 1/2; Mikayla Perella, Saugus (25-6 1/4.

50-yard hurdles: Olivia Vener, Marblehead (8.2); Carly O'Keefe, Winthrop (8.5); Maddy Van Dussen, Marblehead (8.6).

50-yard dash: Anna Wargo, Classical (6.8); Lexi Vaccaro, Winthrop (6.8), Kathy Lazano, English (6.9).Julia Merchant, Peabody (6.13).

1-mile: Alison Barker, Danvers (5.57.5); Cecilia Moreira, Winthrop (6.09.1); Julia Merchant, Peabody (6:13.5).

300-meter: Caitlyn Harty, Beverly (45.9); Rebecca Potter, Classical (47.8); Jennifer Gaudet, Classical (48.2).

600-meter: Stephanie Kowalski, Danvers (1:54.0); Tess Benson, Gloucester (1:57.9); Carlyn McGrath, Marblehead (1:58.5).

1,000-meter: Catalina Dominick, Danvers (3:10.9); Paige Ferrucci, Marblehead (3:14.4); Nicole Demars, Beverly (3:15.4).

2-mile: Sarah Kelley, Swampscott (12:30.5); Kacie Quinn, Gloucester (13:04.9); Lily Roberts, Marblehead (13:24.3).

Mile relay: Beverly (4:37.7); Classical (4:43.7); Marblehead (4:45.9).


 

 

Marblehead 67,  Classical 19

At Marblehead, the Magicians (3-0) had eight different winners: Lily Cummings, high jump (4-10); Selma Rakovic, shot put (5-8); Olivia Vener, 55-meter hurdles (9.3); Caitlin Daley, 300 (47.1); Maura Turbidy, 600 (1:51.1); Paige Ferrucci, 1,000 (3:19.2); Lily Roberts, mile (6:12.5) and Madeline Piela, 2-mile (13:27).

 The Rams (1-2) lone winner was Saffi Bangura, who took the 55-meter dash (7.5).

 

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  LCHS GIRLS TRACK  2010-11

Girl’s Head Coach: Lauren Abernathy


Rebecca Potter was a winner in the high jump for Classical. (Item file photo)

 

MacKenzie Coppinger was a winner in the shot put for Classical. (Item file photo)

 Classical girls win double track meets

 

The Classical girls  won city bragging rights in the showdown between the two Lynn school in track Wednesday at Lynn Tech.

In the girls meet, the Rams won 53-34 over the Bulldogs and 54-32 over Saugus to finish the season at 3-3. This is Classical's best record in at least six years, according to coach Lauren Phelps.

"The girls were really happy. They worked hard all year," Phelps said.

Hulerie McGuffie won the 300 (44.9) against both teams and she was in the winning relay with Rebecca Potter, Carla Altema and Saffi Bangura (4:44.8). Bangura also won the 50 dash (6.5) against Saugus and took second against English. Classical's Allison Kurpiel won the mile against both teams with a time of 6:41 and Mackenzie Coppinger took first for the Rams in the shot put against both teams with a state qualifying throw of 30-1. Kathy Perez led a sweep in the two mile (16:14.9) The Rams also took a first in the high jump against English with Potter's lead of 4-4.

English had firsts from Maria Arzu in the 50 hurdles (8.2); Shakira Llewellyyn, the 50 (6.5); Alex Henry, 600 (1:57.2) and Thanh Bui, 1,000 (4:03.5)

 

Swampscott 64, Classical 22

At Swampscott, the Big Blue (4-2, 4-0 NEC Small) had wins from Haley Irwin, high jump (4-6); Melinda Wilson, shot put (29-4 1/2); Vy Le, 55 meter hurdles (9.5); Emma Walsh, 600 (1:52); Lindsey Marini, 1,000 (3:19.4); Michaela Jancsy, mile (6:03.7); and Tess Gorman, 2-mile (12:40).

The Rams (1-4, 1-2 NEC Small) had firsts from Saffi Bangura, 55 (7.6); and Hulerie McGuffie, 300 (43.9). Classical also won the relay.

 

Classical's Hulerie McGuffie qualified for the states with a 44.7 in the 300. She needed a 45.7. The Rams swept the event with Rebecca Potter and Jennie Erekson taking the next two spots.

"This is her second year making it to the states," Classical coach Lauren Phelps said. "She works hard and sets a good example."

The Rams also had winning performances from Mackenzie Coppinger in the shot put (28-9); Saffi Bangura in the 50-dash (6.5) and Krista Cuozzo in the 600 (2:03.1).

Winthrop's Jessica Dowson led a sweep in the 50-yard hurdles (8.4) with Katie Cochrane and Kayla Aceto taking second and third. Classical is 1-1 as is Winthrop.

Girls' team shot before the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha

MacKenzie Coppinger during the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha   A shot putter during the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha   Hulerie McGuffie during the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha   Amy Sena, left, and Allison Kurpiel during the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha   Krista Cuozzo during the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha   Hurdlers during the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha   Rebecca Potter during the Classical-Winthrop track meet at Lynn Tech fieldhouse Wednesday Jan 5, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha

Photos: Reba Saldanha

Marblehead 54, Classical 32

At Marblehead, the Magicians' Lily Cummings qualified for the states with a leap of 5-0 in the high jump in what Marblehead coach Mike Toomey called "the biggest performance of the day."

Other winners for Marblehead (2-1, 0-1 NEC Large) included Bronte Price, 55 hurdles (9.7); Gretchen Rowe, 600 (1:47); Madeline Piela, 1,000 (3:31); Alex Gerard, mile (6:10); and the relay team of Emma McGuirk, Rowe, Gerard and Maura Tubridy.

Winners for Classical (1-2, 1-0 NEC Small) included Saffi Bangura, 55 (7.9); Hulerie McGuffie, 300 (45.7); Alison Kurpiel, 2-mile (14:54); and Mackenzie Coppinger, shot put (28-6). 		 

 

Classical girls defeat Salem

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

The Classical High girls track team defeated Salem, 54 1/2 - 31 1/2, Monday at Lynn Tech.

Saffi Bangura and Hulerie McGuffie came up big for the Rams with Bangura winning the 50 (6.7) and McGuffie the 300 (46.8). The two also ran the first and second legs, respectively, on the winning 4 x 400 relay team. Rebecca Potter, who also took first in the high jump, and Angela Erelli rounded out the foursome.

The Rams also had a first from Stella Athanasopoulos in the mile (6:55) and they swept the two-mile led by Allison Kurpiel (14:30). Kathy Perez and Jessie Perez took the next two spots. Mackenzie Coppinger won the shot put (29-9).

Salem had firsts from Devyn Ryan in the 50 hurdles (8.5); Brandi Lavoie, 600 (2:08); and Khrina Corpuz, 1,000 (3:51).

Classical is 1-1 overall, 1-0 in the Northeastern Conference South. Salem is 0-2.
 

 

Revere 48, Classical 38

At Revere, In the season opener for both teams, Classical's Hulerie McGuffie won the 300 (46.2), Krista Cuozzo the 1,000 (4-flat), Saffi Bangura the 55-meter (7.7) and Ashley O'Leary the high jump (4-4).

McKenzie Coppinger was second in the shotput (28-1).

For Revere, winners were Briana Scata (28.633/4); Lindsay Gurska, 55 hurdles (10.3); Brittany Brown, 600, 2:04; Kassandra Digitale, mile, 6:31.9; Nikki Nelson, 2-mile (14:28), and the 4x400 relay (4:50.6).
  

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2009-2010 Track

For Meet results, go to http://www.coolrunning.com/results/ then select Massachusetts,

 then select results from Lynn

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO  KATIE THONGCHANH FOR BEING NAMED  NEC WINTER TRACK ALL-STARS.   HULLERIE MCGUFFIE AND MACKENZIE COPPINGER  MADE HONORABLE MENTION. THE GIRLS TEAM ALSO WON THE NEC SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD.

MACKENZIE COPPINGER, Lynn Classical - Sophomore ... Placed in every dual meet (six first-place finishes) in the shot put (28-0) ... Honor roll student ... Varsity soccer and softball player ... Elected as captain for next season.

HULERIE McGUFFIE, Classical - Sophomore ... Qualified for states in the 300(44.7) ... Anchor of the relay team ... Honor roll student.
 

KATIE THONGCHANH, Lynn Classical - Senior captain ... Undefeated in dual meets in the high hurdles (8.1) ... Placed in every meet in the high jump (4-8) ... Finished third in the NEC meet ... Coaches award and MVP recipient.
 


Item Roundup:  Congratulations to Katie Thongchanh on a great season and a 3rd Place finish at the NEC Championships that took place at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. Hilerie McGuffie placed third in the 300 meter race.

 

 


Katie Thongchanh of Classical goes airborne in the high jump during a meet against English at Tech on Thursday. (ITEM PHOTO / OWEN O'ROURKE)

 Classical Girls Prevail in Crosstown Meet

As track meets go, they don't get a whole lot closer than this one.

The Classical girls defeated English, 48-37, Thursday at Lynn Tech. This is the first time in three years the Rams have won the showdown for city bragging rights.

The key for Classical was a sweep of the shot put, led by Mackenzie Coppinger (26-5 1/4), who has placed in that event in every meet. Adriana Raymond came in second and Sopheary Chau, third.

Senior captain Katie Thongchanh won the 50 hurdles (8.3). She was undefeated in that event this season. She also took second in the high jump with a personal best 4-8. Allison Kurpiel won the 2-mile (14:45.4). The Rams went two-three in the other races, with the exception being in the 600.

English's Henry sisters were tough to beat with Alex taking first in the 1,000 (3:34.1) and Shawna winning the 600 (2:04.8) and the high jump. Leah Hall took first in the 50 (6.8); Bianca Fowler won the 300 (44.5).

"We have six seniors," Classical coach Lauren Phelps said. "They showed a lot of leadership this year. The team really came together and that's a tribute to them."

Classical is 1-6 with a nonleague meet against Everett on tap for Monday. The Northeastern Conference meet will be held Thursday at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury.

 

Salem 53, Classical 33

At Gloucester, the Rams (0-5) had wins from Katie Thongchanh in the 50 hurdles (8.3); Daybelis Delarosa in the 50 (6.9) and Hulerie McGuffie in the 300 (40.4). Salem (1-3) picked up firsts from Darcy Theriault, high jump (4-6); Tatyana Janes, shot put (26-10 1/2); Ali Monaco, 600 (1:41.7); Erin Burke, 1,000 (3:23.9); Milly Canela, mile (6:34.6) and Marissa Osgood, 2-mile (14:16).
 

Peabody 67, Classical 19

At Tech, the Rams (0-4, 0-2) won three events but Peabody's (2-1, 2-0) lineup was too much.

Mackenzie Coppinger won the shotput (24-7) for Classical. Katie Thongchanh won the 50 hurdles (8.1) and Hulerie McGuffie took the 300 (45.3).

The Tanners got wins from Amanda Nielsen in the high jump (4-8); Cayla Bucci, 50 dash (6.6); Andrea Saccardo, 600 (1:49.7); Jenna Pickard, 1,000 (3:29.5); Saleena Glowick (6:09.5) and Melissa Pierce, 2-mile (14:01.0).
 

Marblehead 70, Classical 16

At Marblehead, Sarah Bittermann won the high jump (4-8) and the 600 meters (1:47) for the Magicians (3-0).

 Click here for a photo gallery from yesterday's track action.

Marblehead also had wins from Marina Hare, shot put (25-2 1/2); Renee Smith, 55 (7.9); Mary Keroack, 300 (43.9); Madeline Piela, 1,000 (3:16.2); Maura Turbridy, mile (5:51.7); and Kristy Henrich, two-mile (13:14.2). The Rams (0-3) had a win from Katie Thongchanh in the 55-meter hurdles (9.6).
 

Beverly 67, Classical 14

At Peabody, Katie Thongchanh had a good day for the Rams, winning the high jump (4-6) and the 45-yard hurdles, 7.1. Beverly won the remaining events, led by Monica Adler, who took first in the shot put (27-8) and the 1,000 (2:52.5). Molly Hannigan won the 45 dash (6.4); Brenna Bailey, mile (6:08); Heidi Bezemes, 300 (43.3); Wendy Marciano, 600 (1:41.1); and Jess Gomes, two-mile (13:47).
 

Swampscott 58, Classical 24

At Lynn, the Big Blue got their first win in over a year. Casey Connolly won the dash; Lindsay Walsh, mile (5:30); Hannah King, 600 (1:57); and Emma Walsh, 1,000 (3:43).

For Classical, Katie Thongchanh was a double winner, taking the hurdles and high jump. Mackenzie Coppinger was second in the shot put (27-0) while Dabelis Delarosa was second in the hurdles.

 

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2008-09

Congratulations to the Girls Team for winning the NEC North Sportsmanship Award. Congratulations to our new NEC All-Stars :Katie Thongchanh and Jillian Adams.

Item Roundup

English 51 - Classical 35

In the girls meet, winners for English (1-6, 1-4 Northeastern Conference Large) included: Bianca Fowler, high jump (4-8) and 300 (45.5); Maria Arzu, 50 hurdles (8.6); Shakira Llewellyn, 50 dash (6.7); Shawna Henry, 600 (1:56.1); Methun Jalal, 1,000 (3:55.2); Alexandra Henry, mile (6:23.6); Haley Hanlon, 2-mile (15:01.1); and the relay (4:47.6).

For Classical (0-7, 0-5 NEC Large), Jaime Behen was the lone winner, in the shot put (26-2).

Beverly 67, Classical 19

At Beverly, Beverly's Katie Tibbets won the shot put (29-81/2) and the high jump (4-10) to help the Panthers remain undefeated at 6-0, 4-0 in the Northeastern Conference. Classical (0-6, 0-4) had strong showings from Jillian Adams and Kayla Walleston, who went two-three in the high jump; Jaime Behen, third in the shot put; Katie Thongchanh, second in the 50 hurdles; Katie Fitzgerald, second in the 50 and Le Nguyen, second in the 600. Adams also took a second in the 300. Christine Francois took third in the 1,000 and Allison Kurpiel took second in the 2-mile.
 

Revere 54, Classical 26

At Revere, Classical's Jillian Adams won the high jump (4-6) and 300 (43.6) and teammate Katie Fitzgerald took first in the 50 (6.8). Revere had wins from Brian Scata in the shot put (25-111/2); Victoria DeVincent, the 50 (9.3): Taren Kershaw, the 600 (1:46); Jessica Simpson, the 1,000 (3:17.2); Colby Hough, mile (5:57.8) and Joanna Green, 2-mile (14:21.9).
                                                   

Salem 57.5, Classical 28.5

At Beverly, the Rams (0-2) took the top spot in four events, but Salem had the depth. Jillian Adams won the high jump for Classical (4-2); Jaime Behen, the shot put (25-7 3/2); Katie Thongchanh, the 50 hurdles (9.3) and Katie Fitzgerald, the 50 (6.9).

Salem's first-place finishers were Desiree Deleon, the 300 (42.3); Ali Monaco, the 600 (1:42.8); Erin Burke, the 1,000 (3:17.9); Marissa Osgood, the mile (6:16.3) and Nicole Maurice, the 2-mile (14:32). Salem (1-1) won the relay.

Danvers 55, Classical 31

At Swampscott, the Falcons enjoyed seven first-place finishes: Courtney Godfrey, high jump (4-6); Jennifer Williams, 55 (8.2); Christina Kaczynski, 600 (1:47.5); Christina Montefusco, 1,000 (3:28.2); Lindsey Dattoli, mile (6:24.2); and Anna Dokins, 2-mile (14:16.6).

The Rams had two individual first-place finishes: Jaime Behen, shot put (26-1 1/4), and Katie Thongchanh, 55 hurdles (8.2). Classical also won the relay (4:56).

12/15/08   Girls Track vs Peabody
Peabody 68      Classical 18
 
The girls had a great meet overall (we only scored 3 points against Peabody last year).
1st place in the 4x400 relay: Jill Adams, Christine Francois, Le Nguyen, KT Fitzgerald
2nd place finishes: Jaime Behen- shot put; Kayla Walleston- high jump; Kt Fitzgerald 45 yd dash
3rd place finishes: Le Nguyen- 600; Jill Adams- shot put; ; Christine Francois- 1000

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12/12/08

At Gloucester, Fallon Gaudet was the lone Ram to finish in first. She took home the top honors in the 55 (7.1). Katie Thongchanh placed second in the 55 hurdles (9.3), 3rd place finish for  Kayla Walleston in the high jump.

Other Participants included:

Jaime Behen- shot put

Daybelis Delarosa- hurdles
Jill Adams- 300
Christine Francois- 1000
Anita Sok- mile
Allison Kurpiel- 2 mile


The Fishermen had nine first-place finishers: Isabel Pett, high jump (5-0) and 55 hurdles (8.9); Olivia Brown, shot put (29-4 1/2); Courtney Smith, 300 (43.6); Jennavie Orrell, 600 (1:37.8); Claire Plueler, 1,000 (3:08); Abbie Rogers, mile (5:42.3); Emily Powers, 2-mile (13:41.3); and relay (4:38.8).

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