Girls’ indoor track and field continued its undefeated season with a strong showing at the New Balance Nationals March 12-15, one of the most competitive high school meets in the country, and produced multiple personal and school records while racing against elite competition.
According to assistant coach Joanna Mantell, Nationals is a special meet for the runners. “The atmosphere at Nationals is very different from most meets during the season,” she said. “There are packed stands, loud announcers, and nonstop energy, so the event has earned its nickname of the ‘Fastest Party on the Planet.’”
Despite the high-pressure environment, the team embraced the challenge.
Senior captain Penny Blumenthal delivered one of the biggest moments of the meet in the 400-meter dash, running a personal best to break her own school record once again.
“Running a PR was a great way for Penny to cap off the final individual event of her career,” Mantell said. “For four years, she’s worked her tail off, and had always been a team player when it came to relays and big meets.”
Blumenthal now owns two individual school records: the 400m and the 600m, and has contributed to 200m relay records as well.
“The 600m record she took down was from 2013, so it’s safe to say she’s a generational talent. She deserves all the accolades that come her way,” Mantell added.
North also broke a school record in the 4×200 meter relay. The team of senior captains Brooke Bennett, Bella Mangada, Blumenthal and junior Sophie Finklestein surpassed the mark they had previously set earlier in the season.
The sprint medley relay team also delivered a strong performance and set a new record. The team featured sophomore Kara Tsai running the opening 200m, followed by Bennett on the second 200m leg, Blumenthal in the 400m, and junior Maggie Abely anchoring the race in the 800m.
Abely produced one of the most exciting moments of the sprint medley relay with a dramatic late surge to win her heat. She said, “I was just thinking about this last race, and I think it was motivating me to do this for our seniors.”
According to Abely, the relay team has a strong bond. “We trained together everyday leading up to Nationals. I think the most fun part was getting to do this with my team.” she added.
Not long after, seniors Blumenthal, Hava Shenkman, Lila Anapolle, and junior Skye Larson capped off the relay portion by running the fastest time in the state in the 4x400m relay and outshining their previous record.
Junior Esty Dudnik represented North in the distance events, competing as the team’s lone athlete in the two-mile race and finishing strong in the large national field.
“I think this year the environment at nationals has impacted us in a positive way. Almost all of the athletes competing are upperclassmen and have been here before,” Mantell said. “They were able to get excited without being overwhelmed.”
