This past Sunday, January 29, the Middletown South girls track team competed in the Ocean Breeze Invitational at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. The Eagles have always been renowned for producing talented distance runners, especially competitors in the 800 meter run. Entering this year, Coaches Bill Clifton and Nick Wright had high expectations for the 800 meter relay squad. Experimenting with different runners since the start of the season, the Eagles discovered a winning recipe on Sunday when the 4×800 team placed fourth overall and clinched a spot at New Balance Nationals and Penn Relays. Consisting of sophomore Kathleen Shay and juniors Rachael Hutson, Maddie Brand, and Shannon Addario, the half mile relay team completed the race in an impressive 9:37.8, good enough for the current third best time in New Jersey.

All four runners achieved personal best times, with Hutson finishing in 2:25.6, Shay in 2:21.6, Brand in 2:18.5, and Addario in 2:31.6. Coach Clifton was extremely proud of the group following the race, as their tenacious training and impeccable work ethic finally cultivated in an outstanding performance. With the season winding down for most athletes, the Middletown South girls are intent on progressing past sectional championships onto groups and, optimistically, Meet of Champions. The group, however,  must continue to work hard during practice in order to improve.