Printer Friendly Version - Muhammad Sets New State Record for Boys’ Track, Girls’ Outdoor Track Shines at States

Enaji Muhammad has been a competitive high jumper for both indoor and outdoor track at Branford, and he was recently named to the All-SCC Second Team for his performance in the event this spring (6-04). He additionally set the new Class MM state record. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Sound

Branford senior Enaji Muhammad set the state Class MM record in the high jump last week, clearing 6 feet, 8 ¼ inches at the state championship meet in New Britain. The height also represents the new Branford outdoor track record.

Muhammad was one of eight athletes who competed at the boys’ outdoor championship meet. The other athletes competing were the school’s 4x800 relay team of Noah Hauswirth, David Regan, Ryan Andrus, and Nolan Weted; the 4x400 team of Tyler Peterson, Supremee Shrestha, Weted, and Andrus; and Justin Cast in the 100 and 200 meter races. In addition, Peterson competed in the javelin and Muhammad in the triple jump.

As a result of his first place finish, Muhammad will compete at the State Open Championship on Monday, June 3. He will also compete in the triple jump at the State Open. Muhammad was named to the All-SCC Second Team this spring for his performance in the high jump (6-04).

Lucy Moran earned a spot on the All-SCC First Team for Branford girls’ track for her performance in the 800 meters (2:18.76). She was also named to the Second Team for the 1600 (4:57.80). Joelle Budz earned a spot on the Second Team for the 300 meter hurdles (45.65).

At the Class MM State Championship meet last week, the Hornets placed fifth with a team score of 46 points. Budz placed second in the 300 meter hurdles (46.31), and Moran took second in the 800 (2:14.17). Ella Stone claimed second place in the triple jump (34’.75”), while Budz (26.17) recorded a third place finish in the 200.

The 4x400 relay team, comprised of Budz, Djamilla Toukour, Glorianna Buckley, and Moran placed third in a time of 4:08.64. Stone took fifth in the long jump (16’1.75”), and ZuZu Pont Strong took 12th in that event (15’.5”). Violet Marrandino placed sixth in the 1600 (5:39.0), and Buckley took eighth in the 400 (61.60).

Avery Clouse took ninth in the high jump (4’8”), and the 4x100 team finished ninth in a time of 51.61. This team included Pont Strong, Toukour, Cheyenne Wilson, and Buckley. Zayna Cella earned a 10th place finish in the javelin (84’9”).

“Joelle and Lucy ran two extremely close races and showed the type of competitors they have been during their careers. They have both qualified for the Open, and we should see their best efforts,” said Head Coach Kevin Connell. “Ella Stone came through with a second place finish in the triple jump and has emerged as one of the top jumpers in the state. Overall, it was a good showing for the team. We have a number of athletes moving on to the Open.”