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

The event start lists posted by Northeast Sports Timing are available on AthleticNet https://live.nestiming.com/meets/54162 . The same site will be used for live results on Saturday.

Check out our recent FAN GUIDE for more meet information.

It is an honor for any state athlete to qualify for New Englands. Not only do you have to be talented, you have to go through the rounds of Class meets and then finish top six at the State Open. Let’s take a look at a few of the top events that should thrill fans of New England track and field.

4x800m Relay

The 4x800m Relay could be one of the most thrilling distance races of the meet, with powerhouse squads set to battle it out for the title. Weston is still high after their impressive school record seed time of 7:48.61, anchored by a veteran crew of seniors including Markus Soennichsen, Nicholas Masters, Brett Martin, and Asher Leuzzi. Close on their heels is New Canaan, who also broke their school record at 7:50.26, bringing a strong mix of senior leadership and junior talent: Spencer Paine, Ryan Monohan, Quinn Kilkenny, and Ryan Boulanger. Xavier (CT) featuring a lengthy lineup with alternates ready to step in, is not far behind at 7:51.67 and will certainly be in the mix. Their team includes the talented Ian Schmeelk, Landon Rubano, Xavier Laudati, Parker Thompson, Jack Ouellette, Peter Torello, and James Adu. Norwich Free Academy rounds out the top contenders with a 7:54.24. There are a total of nine teams that are under eight minutes, so it will be very competitive to grab a top six spot. 

110m Hurdles

A fast and tightly contested showdown may be in store for the boys 110m hurdles, with four athletes already having broken the 14-second barrier this season. Leading the way is CT champion Delante Senior of Bloomfield at 13.74 closely followed by Essex VT senior Sanjin Hadzic at 13.79. Right behind them are East Hartford’s junior Davian Johnson at 13;86 and Avery Gilbert of Mt. Mansfield at 13.91. Senior brings championship experience as last year’s 3rd-place finisher as well as 5th seeded Joseph Cook (Southeastern), who placed 7th in 2024 returning with a 14.05 season best and a shot to climb higher. Lowell's Khai Yin, last year’s runner-up, will also be a key name to watch. With two returning finalists from last year’s top 7 and sub-14 marks being a trend, the finals could see Joshua Mooney’s two-year old meet record of 13.72 2023 challenged. 

4x100m Relay

A lighting-fast 4x100m relay is set to take place with Windsor returning as the defending champions. Their talented squad of Shamar Peay, Kymani Bolden, Brandon Sappleton, and Terrell Johnson, set the New England record at 41.61 back in 2013 and are back in title-contending form with a 41.65 heading into the weekend. However, the 9-lane track will be stacked. Pinkerton Academy of New Hampshire, third last year, comes in looking to break their state record of 41.92, and will be looking to challenge Windsor's dominance. Bunnell follows closely behind at 41.94, while Catholic Memorial MA rounds out the top four with a time of 42.05. With four teams under 42.1 seconds, this race could come down to exchanges and final leg battles. Expect a thrilling race as one of the deepest fields in New England history steps onto the track.

400m Dash

The single lap boys race could produce an exciting finish, with Portland’s senior Samuel LaMalfa entering as the top seed after a jaw-dropping performance at 46.83, making him the only athlete in the field under the New England record of 47.31 set in 2008 by Weaver’s Daundre Barnaby, a 2012 Canadian Olympian. Immaculate’s junior Brenan McCabe, last year’s New England runner-up, isn’t far behind at 47.40, and has proven himself on big stages with a 2nd-place finish at both the State Open and New England Championships in 2024. He returns after an injury plagued indoor season and has relatively fresh legs. Basketball player Matthew Petersen of Daniel Hand rounds out the top three with a strong 47.95, and could be in the mix if the pace pushes toward another sub-47 second time. State champion Ryan Pulpi of Reading MA could be pulled under 48 seconds and provide added depth. With LaMalfa in record-breaking shape and McCabe’s championship experience, this final could be one for the books.

300m Hurdles

The 300m hurdles final is stacked with speed as East Hartford’s Davian Johnson leads with a blistering 37.28, making him a serious threat to the New England meet record of 37.06 set in 1993 by Aaron Hayes of Wilbur Cross. He’ll be challenged by Jalen Moseley of LaSalle Academy, the RI state champ, though just a sophomore, who’s entered at an impressive 37.67 and Charles Dalles of Coginchaug, the New England 600m champion, is close behind at 37.79. With increased competition, Gavin Lombara of Monadnock, the New Hampshire champion, could improve upon his 38.06 seedtime and take a place on the podium.

4x400m Relay

Few events carry as much momentum as the 4x400m relay, with Connecticut squads rewriting the record books at the State Open. Leading the charge is Daniel Hand, who edged past the 2017 New England meet record held by Danbury at 3:17.90 with a blazing 3:17.89 at the State Open. With six CT schools setting new school records at the Open, this race could be a CT sweep, but look out for Rhody’s LaSalle Academy seeded at 3:19.38 as well as teams from the Granite State as three teams, led by Manchester Central, went under the New Hampshire state record last week. 

Boys Shot Put

This year’s boys shot put competition is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields of the meet, with five throwers seeded over 58 feet. Leading the way is Maine’s Ryker Paradis of Lewiston who comes in with a big PR of 63-10 from the Maine Class A meet. CT State Open champion Thomas Matlock of East Lyme was just off his season best of 62-9.75 and was 5th last year. Junior Ari Levine of Hopedale, MA isn’t far behind with a throw of 60-08.75 and Kayden Thomas of Rogers RI rounds out the 60-foot club at 60-02. Simbsury’s All American senior Marshall Potter has gone over 61 feet to win Class LL and never discount Norwich Free Academy’s Chris Amy. While he was off at the State Open, he is CT’s indoor state record holder and has gone over 60 feet no less than four times this spring. Earning a medal in this event will make you a national qualified thrower. 

More Events to Watch with CT top seeds:

100m - Luke Richardson, Bethel, 10.66 - Top Seed

200m - Luke Richardson, Bethel, 21.39 - Top Seed

Javelin - Thomas Bannon, Rockville, 207-01 - Top Seed

Discus - Marshall Potter, Simsbury, 181-06 - Top Seed

Long Jump - Oliver Guzy, Xavier, 23-8.5 - Top Seed

High Jump - Brodie Scott, Waterford, 6-08 - Top Seed