By Associate Correspondent Brynn Sherry, Editing and Graphics by Ron Knapp

RESULTS

Naugatuck continued to dominate at the Naugatuck Valley League Championships this weekend with a sweeping performance that earned a third consecutive title for the girls, and a 6th for the boys. The girls scored 181 points, finishing ahead of Woodland with 100.5, Watertown following with a score of 80 points. The boys totaled 178 points, putting them well ahead of Seymour with 79.5, and Derby close behind with 78 points. Across the competition, athletes brought home a total of five meet records, making this year’s NVL Outdoor Championships one to remember. 

Girls Championship Highlights

Junior Lauren Kropo of Naugatuck had an outstanding performance this weekend, bringing in a whopping 3 new meet records: 12.11 seconds in the 100m sprint, 24.86 seconds in the 200m, and finally, an impressive 56.33 seconds in the 400m, less than a second shy of her best time this season. In addition to holding the number one spot for both the 100 and 400m events, Kropo’s performance bumped her up to 5th in the state of CT for the 200m as well. It is no surprise that Lauren was awarded the Most Outstanding Performer as well as named Most Outstanding Sprinter of this meet. 

Alongside Lauren, teammate Mijonia Hart snagged yet another meet record in the long jump with a score of 17-11, surpassing a long standing record that had previously held its ground since 2008.

Lily Dalton kept Naugatuck’s name strong with performances throughout the meet including a 3rd place as part of their 4x800m, another 3rd in the 1600m and a silver medal in the 3200m in 11:36.89 that earned her the Outstanding Distance award.

Khrystalyn Lafo of Watertown won an Outstanding Hurdler award, contributing to her team's success with a victory in the 300m hurdles in her PR of 46.95 and a runner-up finish by an eyelash in the 100m hurdles to Divine Kabongo of Naugatuck, 16.202 to 16.203.

Woodland’s Faye Carnemolla was named one of the two Senior Scholars of the meet while earning two gold medals in the 1600m in a PR of 5:21.51 and the 800m in a season best of 2:23.64.

The Outstanding Thrower of the meet was awarded to Naugatuck’s Jordyn Grey for her performances that include a winning throw of 96-10 in the discus and a runner-up finish in the shot put 6-inches behind the winning toss of 31-11.25 by Derby’s Faith Anderson.

Boys Championship Highlights

Zachary McKirryher of Seymore set a new meet record in the pole vault, clearing 15-0, leaving behind the long-standing record set all the way back in 2004. His PR moved him to CT #2 this season.

Michel Ahoua of Torrington was named another Outstanding Performer of the Meet, scoring first place with a long jump leap of 22-0, a high jump clearing 6-4, and a triple jump that soared 42-8.

CJ Rouse of Derby was named an Outstanding Thrower of this weekend's meet, with a 44-6.25 in the shot put, and 121-4 in the discus.

Alongside his award winning teammate, Derby’s Jaylen Titus was named an Outstanding Hurdler with a time of 14.96 in the 110m hurdles, and 40.63 in the 300m hurdles.

With impressive stamina and endurance, Joseph DeLuise of Oxford earned an Outstanding Distance title with a time of 4:36.24 in the 1600m, and 9:37.11 in the 3200m.

Edward Podzunas brought pride to Wolcott’s name with this meet’s second title of Senior Scholar.

With successful seasons and memorable performances, Ryann Walsh and Eli Crofford of Watertown were both named the Outstanding Seniors of this weekend’s meet. Walsh won the 3200m in her PR of 11:34.57 while Crofford earned two gold medals for his wins in the 100m (10.93) and the 200m (22.00).

Although a recent injury prevented Mason Rountree of Holy Cross from competing in the meet, the #1 NVL 100m sprinter during the season earned an Outstanding Sprinter award from coaches in the league.

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Will take place August 14-19, 2025 at Camp Wah Nee in Torrington, CT

Visit their website at fossrunningcamp.com for more information and to apply for 2025.