On Jan. 24, the Branford boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams competed in the SCC West Track Championships, with impressive showings on both sides.

On the girls’ side, the Hornets scored 27 points and took ninth place.

Top performances included Joelle Budz in the 55-meter run, who placed third with a time of 7.65. Glorianna Buckley took 12th, with a time of 7.97, in that race.

Budz and Buckley both had strong performances in the 300 meters, as well. Budz took fourth with a time of 44.55, and Buckley finished in sixth (45.72).

In the 600 meters, Tess Wasiolek came in third, with a time of 1:48.70, and Lila Wasiolek took eighth, recording a time of 1:56.39. Hannah Jackson’s 1600 meter run was noteworthy as well, as she recorded a time of 6:23.56, for 14th place.

In the high jump, Ella Stone came in 10th place (4’ 2”), and she placed eighth in the long jump (14’ 11.75”). Taylor Tracy recorded a score of 24’ 4.75” in the shot put, finishing in 10th place.

Coach Kevin Connell was very pleased with Joelle Budz’s performance in the meet.

“Joelle Budz has had a very good season, a reflection on the dedication and hard work she has put into her events,” Connell said.

The boys’ team scored 42 points and took fourth place out of 10 teams.

First place finishes included Ryder Kropiwnicki in the pole vault (12’6), Enaji Muhammad in the high jump (5’10), and Colin Donahoe in the 600 meters (1:24.10).

Enaji Muhammad took third place in the long jump (19’7.25), and Ryder Kropiwnicki took fourth place in the 55-meter high hurdles (8.76).

Massimo Corrick’s 1600 meter time of 4:53.08 was good for sixth place, and Peter Distasio, Colin Donahoe, Sam Harwin, and Nolan Weted also took sixth place in the 4x400 relay (3:58.95).

Coach Rich Biondi had a few comments after the meet.

“The 600 Meters race between Colin and Nick Cassarino from Xavier was something special,” said Biondi. “Both athletes ran smart races and with a great deal of determination. As a coach, parent, or spectator, it was so exciting because the outcome was not determined to the last few meters when Colin pulled away. Colin’s effort not only earned him the championship, but it also established a new school record.”

Biondi also added some words of encouragement for Enaji Muhammad. “Enaji Muhammad has worked so hard at practice and in the weight room. Enaji is much stronger and more confident than last year. The by-product of his hard work was winning the high jump, and finishing third in the long jump. Both of Enaji’s performances were personal records.”

Ryder Kropiwnicki has had a great season, as well. “All season, Ryder has shined in both the hurdles and the pole vault,” said Biondi. “Ryder is accustomed to dueling with the other elite pole vaulters in the state. Ryder’s best performances are going to take place in a month as he continues to refine aspects of the pole vault.”

Next up for the Hornets is the SCC Indoor Track Championships on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. at the Floyd Little Athletic Center.

To submit results and box scores for your team, please contact sports editor Gabby Hurlbut at g.hurlbut@shorepublishing.com.