Beranger sets a new standard in the 200; Connors ties high jump record

The Winthrop High boys track team may be small in numbers this season (a direct result of the exorbitant athletic user fee which many cannot afford), but the Vikings are rich in talent.

Although Coach Pat McGee’s team came out on the short end of their meet at Marblehead Monday, her Vikings turned in some outstanding performances.

Senior Chris Berenger, whose specialty heretofore has been the 100 dash, set a new WHS record in the 200 dash, flying across the line in 22.5, shattering the mark of 23.0 that had stood since 1991 when Dave Collins set what is now the then record.

Sophomore Jake Connors, who has been doing the high jump for all of three weeks, then left jaws dropping on the Marblehead track when he leapt 6-5 in the high jump, tying the WHS mark that was set 33 years ago by Kevin McGee, who just happens to be the son of Jake’s coach.

“Both Chris and Jake are great kids who have put a lot of effort into this season,” said McGee, who noted that her son was delighted when he heard the news of Jake’s accomplishment. “They deserve the recognition for their performances.”

However, Berenger and Connors were not the only Vikings who shone brightly on the Marblehead track. Charlie Asquith took first in the triple jump, second in the long jump, second in the 200 in a personal record (PR) time of 23.6, and anchored the 4 x 100 relay team to victory when he overcame a 10 yard deficit in the final lap to overtake his Marblehead rival in a dramatic finish.

Other members of the winning 4 x 100 quartet were Frank Ambrosino, Robert Deeb, and David Azate.

Nick Doonan enjoyed a successful meet with a first in the discus with a twirl of 101 and Stephen Keough took first in he shotput with a heave of 41-9.

Also adding points for the Viking cause with third place finishes were Deeb in the 100 dash in 12.0 and Anthony Hatzisavas in the shotput.

McGee and her crew will be back in action next Thursday at Gloucester.