Chimdi Ogbuagu’s Track Commitment Leads to Record-Setting Run

Chimdi Ogbuagu PHOTO COURTESY OF CHIMDI OGBUAGU

Chimdi Ogbuagu’s senior season with the Southington High School track & field team etched his name permanently into the Blue Knights record books. But it was his journey to the finish line that really defined the new graduate’s legacy.

Growing up, Ogbuagu was always a football player. He got into the sport after watching with his babysitter at the time. When fourth grade came around, he joined the Southington Knights youth football league.

The sport immediately clicked with Ogbuagu, who says he got even more into it every year. It helped shape him and taught him the discipline he needed to succeed off the gridiron. By his junior year with the Blue Knights, Ogbuagu had become a starting varsity cornerback.

“My junior year I made a big jump from my sophomore year,” Ogbuagu said. “I jumped a couple guys ahead of me to be able to start that year. I really worked. It also meant a lot to me. Football was my thing, I loved football.”

However, his time as a starting cornerback, and football player overall, ended quicker than Ogbuagu anticipated when a rash of injuries changed the course of his athletic career.

Ogbuagu Suffers Injury Deja Vu

During his sophomore season, Ogbuagu had broken his tibia and fibula. It came on a non-contact injury while he was simply guarding a route. It was the first time Ogbuagu had to deal with such a serious injury. It meant basic motor skills could no longer be taken for granted.

“It was honestly a lot. It was my first time dealing with a real injury. It took a toll on me,” Ogbuagu said. “I had to learn how to walk again. It was like starting all over again. I couldn’t even do a calf raise. It was a lot honestly.”

The graduating senior ultimately decided not to undergo surgery and was able to make a full recovery prior to his junior year. His determination then earned him his starting spot.

“I just wanted to get back to playing football. It was really big for me to come back,” Ogbuagu said. “I was thinking, ‘I can’t get injured again, I have to make myself stronger.’ I was telling myself, ‘I got to be better than last time.’ Everyone else isn’t just going to wait for me to get healthy. They’re going to get better as well. I need to get twice as better to compete with them.”

But in the fourth game of the season, disaster struck. An opposing player who was getting tackled landed right on Ogbuagu. Once again his tibia and fibula were broken. All his work to recover suddenly seemed in vain.

“When I broke my leg, honestly, I didn’t know if I’d ever play sports again,” Ogbuagu said. “I knew I was going to miss another track season. Football was going to be hard; I broke my leg twice, it’s not going to be an easy comeback. My initial goal was just to be back for track. I wasn’t looking at times or trying to be fast, I was just looking to be healthy.”

When senior season came around, Ogbuagu was forced to make a decision. Football had been his passion for his entire life. But now a pair of serious injuries threw a major obstacle into his plans on the field.

Rather than race back, Ogbuagu fully committed to track & field. He knew leaving football would ultimately be best for his health and well-being. But at the same time, he was confident going all-in on track could produce special results.

“It’s my senior year. I’ve been injured a lot, it has taken a toll on me. I just want to be healthy, I don’t want to have to recover,” Ogbuagu said. “I also believed in myself. If I really committed to track, I believed I could be really good.”

Track Offers a New Lease on Life

Ogbuagu originally joined the Blue Knights’ track & field team as a freshman. He knew he had speed and thought the sport would be a good fit. Soon after joining, he realized track would give him an opportunity to gain more than just quickness.

“Initially I just thought I was fast and joined track. But it was a really nice experience,” Ogbuagu said. “All the guys were good people, they made track fun. It was different, going from all the hits, to just running.”

From the minute he joined the squad, Ogbuagu was a sprinter. He doesn’t have much time to adjust during a race. But he trains with that in mind. He wants his body to be conditioned to do the right thing.

“It’s consistency. When you’re running races like that, you don’t have time to think. It all goes in a blur,” Ogbuagu said. “The most important thing you could do is train your body to naturally do things. You’re not going to remember this, remember that. But if you can train your body to do it naturally, consistency through practices and meets, eventually things will start to click.”

His senior season was the only year Ogbuagu competed in both indoor and outdoor track. He also took part in cross country’s sprints program. The graduate focused on his consistency, knowing that one bad week could throw off his progress entirely.

Ogbuagu had a plan in place. In his final year with the Blue Knights, he wanted to “prove to myself that I can do whatever I put my mind to.” With a full commitment to Southington’s running program, Ogbuagu had the tools necessary to succeed.

“It kept me structured. I wouldn’t slack off for a week. It gave me reminders to keep working,” Ogbuagu said. “It was also big to get to know my coaches more. It’s not like they didn’t know me, but I really was only there for my freshman year. It really helped me to get to know them better and be more familiar with the training and what we do.”

Boys head coach Nick Migani certainly took notice of Ogbuagu’s all-in approach. He was well aware of his background and the injuries he had to overcome. The way Ogbuagu did so, and the heights he eventually reached, were what truly impressed Migani.

“What’s impressive is how he’s responded,” Mogani said. “Going into his senior year, he made the decision to step away from football and fully commit to track. He ran cross country in the fall to rebuild his fitness and durability, and that work has clearly paid off."

“He opened his indoor season by setting the school record in the 55 meters, which speaks to both his natural speed and the work he’s put in to get back to this point. He’s also part of a competitive family—his twin brother is a very successful wrestler—so that drive and toughness is just part of who he is.”

“Chimdi’s story is really about resilience,” Migani concluded. “He’s a kid who faced significant setbacks but stayed committed, and now he’s putting it all together in his senior year.”

Ogbuagu the Record Breaker

Ogbuagu set a number of school records during his senior season. He started his campaign with a Southington-best 6.57 55-meter dash during the indoor season. During the outdoor season, he was a part of the 4x100 team that beat their own school record (41.44) numerous times.

At the 2026 Central Connecticut South Division Championship, Ogbuagu set another record he won’t soon forget. He knew his starts during the season hadn’t been great, but felt he was beginning to find his stride. When he saw the weather was nice, Ogbuagu “felt like it could be a big day.”

Crossing the finish line at 10.79 in the 100-meter race made that prophecy a reality. Ogbuagu had broken the school record, something he couldn’t believe was real when he was informed.

“Honestly, no. It took a while for it to hit me,” Ogbuagu said. “I heard one of my teammates say 10.79. I was like, ‘For him?’ I honestly couldn’t believe it.”

“I didn’t expect to get 10.79,” he continued. “I surprised myself with that too.”

Breaking any record was meaningful for Ogbuagu. Confronting the injury problems as he did, he worried whether he would be able to return to his peak athletic form. Even in his freshman year, Ogbuagu admits he had doubts of reaching his peak potential.

His senior year journey put those concerns to bed. Others may have been satisfied with running again after breaking a leg twice. But for Ogbuagu, if he was going to make his return at all, he was going to make it count.

“Never be satisfied with good. For me, I like to be as good as I possibly can,” Ogbuagu said. “It’s more about doing the little things really well, perfect. No lapses in concentration. The little things are as important as the big things.”

Ogbuagu’s Run Won’t Stop in College

Now having graduated from Southington, Ogbuagu will be attending the University of Rhode Island and will major in computer science. In addition to that, he will be walking on their track & field team.

Playing sports in college was a goal Ogbuagu had when he entered the program. Having to take so much time off due to injuries made that dream more distant during his sophomore and junior seasons. Yet it never went away. Now, he’ll get his chance to run at the college level and continue improving on the track.

“It means so much to me,” Ogbuagu said. “My freshman year, that was the goal. My sophomore and junior year, I was like, that’s still the goal but it’s going to be really hard to get there. My mind was really off of that. I’m just happy to have a chance to be at that level.”

The fact that it will be track instead of football came as a surprise to Ogbuagu. He never thought he would leave the gridiron. Ultimately, however, he has come to love his new sport. It has become his new obsession. Ogbuagu wears his running badge with beaming honor.

“I really loved football. If you told me my freshman year I wouldn’t be playing football, I’d be like, ‘What?,’” Ogbuagu said. “But this has really shown a development. It shows I’m able to adapt to different things and not just be in football with track on the side. Now it’s track.”

Whatever the sport, Ogbuagu was always repping Southington. That only helped to grow his love of competition. He will now leave the Blue Knights with a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten. At the same time, Ogbuagu won’t forget the town that stuck with him during his setback and ultimate glory.

“This community is amazing. I feel like it’s nothing but support from this community, everyone backs each other,” Ogbuagu said. “It really makes me feel proud to represent Southington. It’s just great people.”

Softball Falls in CCC Finals, Enters State Tournament as No. 2 Seed

The Blue Knights softball team competes at home DAN FAPPIANO PHOTOS

Southington softball’s topsy-turvy run through the Central Connecticut Conference Tournament didn’t end the way they wanted it to. But the Blue Knights have another opportunity to add to their legacy when they compete in the Class LL State Tournament.

Entering the CCC Tournament as the No. 1 seed, Southington began their journey with a home matchup against No. 8 Glastonbury. The Blue Knights were pushed to their breaking point, trailing 9-7 entering the bottom of the seventh inning.

After scoring a run via an error and another from a sacrifice fly from freshman Abigail Lockwood, junior Addie Wanner hit a pop-fly that ultimately scored the winning run. With a 10-9 victory, Southington moved into the semifinals. But they knew they’d have to do more to defend their CCC crown.

Southington Advances to CCC Finals

On May 27, while taking on No. 5 Rocky Hill, Southington went down a run early via a two-out single. But the Blue Knights had an immediate response, as a two-run home run from senior Aubrey Perugini capped off a three-run first inning. The Blue Knights tacked on an extra run in the second via a sac-fly from senior Olivia Gombotz.

The score remained 4-1 until the bottom of the fifth inning. After an RBI single drove in a run, senior Alexa Poutouves cleared the bases with a three-RBI double. Helped by some slick defensive plays in the final inning, Southington advanced to the CCC Championship with an 8-1 win.

For Poutouves and Perugini, the win gave the Blue Knights an opportunity to find their swagger again. After barely scraping out a victory in the first round, Southington looked more like themselves against Rocky Hill.

“I think this win was great momentum going into the CCC Championship,” Poutouves said. “Yesterday was a good win but a tough game, we didn’t play our best. Today we really stepped it up, energy wise, hitting wise, fielding wise. We stood behind Ang on the mound. That really helped us get our confidence back.”

“A big point of emphasis today was to really work together as a team,” Perugini added. “Our jump from yesterday to today was huge. We just need to carry that energy through the tournament.”

Head coach Michelle Boisvert shared the same attitude as her center fielder and third baseman. When she watched her team play, she saw a cohesive unit in action.

“It put them in the right mindset,” Boisvert said. “They had fun, they were happy, there was joy, they trusted their pitcher. They knew they could get it done today. There was never a doubt. They played as a team, for each other, with each other. Mindset going forward is we’re going to work hard, back up our pitcher, they’re going to make plays, timely hitting and they’re going to have fun.”

On the mound, senior Angie Insogna allowed three hits and four walks while striking out six. She found herself in a particularly tricky situation in the top of the third inning after three straight walks loaded the bases with only one out. Insogna managed to get the next batter to pop out before ending the inning with the bases stranded on a strikeout.

Boisvert has come to expect those kinds of resolutions from her senior pitcher. Even if the moment is tense, Insogna isn’t one to get rattled. As Southington continues their postseason, they’ll be rallying around their starting pitcher.

“Ang is someone who doesn’t show a lot of emotion,” Boisvert said. “But you can tell she’s in that mindset. She’s always, ‘I’m gonna get ya.’ Whether it’s a strikeout or a play, she’s like ‘I’m going to get you.’ She’s not afraid. She’ll challenge their hitters. She trusts herself, she trusts her defense. We can’t pitch around them, you’ve got to pitch to them. And that’s what she does so well.”

At the same time, Insogna was quick to credit the defense behind her. The Blue Knights made numerous web gems during their Rocky Hill win. But the pitcher knows just having consistent performances in the field gives Southington an edge.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my teammates. Tthey were great in the field for me today,” Insogna said. “Going into this game we really wanted to keep the energy high. That’s exactly what we did.”

“Having a defense like that can make or break a game,” she continued. “Today it made the game. It gets me very excited. I’m glad to have teammates who are willing to do that for me.”

Perugini was excited to begin the game with a home run, but she has fully bought in on the team’s defensive strength as well. She hopes to “put some defense to our name” through the remaining State Tournament.

That’s a message Boisvert has preached throughout the season. There are only so many defensive drills the team could run. As they finish out their season, everyone on Southington must be willing and prepared to walk the walk when it comes to the Blue Knights’ defensive prowess.

“Defense for me is just desire,” Boisvert said. “Doing whatever you can to give your team the win. Go out, dive, get dirty. They’re gritty. They don’t quit. If there’s a play they can make, they’ll do as much as they can to make it. It sets the tone. Somebody makes a good play, it gets you pumped, ready for the next inning. Helps you stay motivated and work hard. If you see your teammate doing that, it’s contagious.”

CCC Setback Leads To Class LL Opportunity

Southington took on No. 2 Enfield in the CCC Tournament finals on May 29. While the Blue Knights earned a 14-3 win in their regular season clash, the results were different this time around.

Enfield opened the scoring in the first with an RBI single. Southington answered right back to take a 2-1 lead with a triple from Lockwood and a double from Wanner. From there though, the Blue Knights were stymied.

The Eagles would tie the game on a single in the third and then take the lead with a double and triple in the top of the fifth. With two more runs in the top of the seventh inning, Enfield secured a 5-2 victory and ended Southington’s five-year run as CCC champions.

Despite the loss, the Blue Knights’ season is not over. They will now have an opportunity for redemption as the No. 2 seed in the Class LL State Tournament. Southington advanced to the semifinals in 2025.

After receiving a first-round bye, the Blue Knights will take on No. 18 Conard at home on June 3. If Southington were to advance, they would host the winner of No. 7 NFA and No. 10 Newtown in the quarterfinals on June 5.

After winning their CCC semifinal matchup against Rocky Hill, Insogna said that Southington “works really hard for moments like this.” They’ll have an opportunity for more unforgettable wins in the State Tournament. As they enter battle, Boisvert wants Southington to remember what got them this far and to never stop competing as a team.

“We want you focused. We definitely want you having fun. We want you to be the best teammate you can be for each other. Play together, we’re a team,” Boisvert said. “Softball is tough, it’s an individual sport. But when they’re talking and communicating, it makes such a difference. Now they trust each other, they know where they’re going to be. The hitting is contagious too.”

“I think they expect it now. And that’s okay, I expect it too. When hitters get up, I’m like, ‘I know they’re going to get a hit.’ I trust their decision making,” she concluded. “They’ve started to believe in their ability and each other. That’s what you need, you have to be one unit, one team. We are that one team.”

Southington Athletes Announce College Commitments

BK Softball seniors heading to college DAN FAPPIANO PHOTOS

The packed crowd at Southington High School’s West erupted with applause at the end of every sentence last Thursday as 28 Blue Knight athletes announced their college commitments.

Athletic Director Bob McKee opened the ceremonies by addressing the athletes, coaches and families in attendance. McKee wanted to stress just how rare it is for an athlete to actually play in college, and point out all the personal qualities it took to get there.

“Only seven percent of high school athletes have the opportunity to compete at the college level. Every athlete up here today has achieved something significant from years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice,” McKee said. “Each athlete is a proud representative of Southington High School through practices, competitions, offseason workouts and team commitments. We have built the culture of tradition and excellence, valuing both equally.”

“I also want to thank our coaches,” he added, “for their commitment, mentorship and countless hours spent helping these athletes grow on and off the field. Coaching high school sports is not an easy job today. It is no longer a three or four month commitment.”

“To our parents and families, thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement and sacrifices through this journey. Right now you may be having flashbacks, remembering when you brought your child to their first practice, or those car rides to and from sporting events – even those rides where you have to turn around because someone left a water bottle or piece of equipment at home. This achievement,” the AD concluded, “belongs to you as well.”

The head coaches of the various teams then gave speeches celebrating each player and what they brought to the program. But before those speeches began, McKee had one last word for the graduating athletes: while they may continue their athletic journey at the college level elsewhere, ultimately, they’ll always be Blue Knights.

“To our student athletes, congratulations. We’re incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and excited to see what comes next,” McKee said. “As a former student athlete here at Southington High School, no matter where your journey takes you, you’ll always be a part of the Southington High School family.”

Girls Soccer

Emily Bafuma - Roger Williams University

“Emily is a dynamic individual both on the field and in the classroom. Emily has used her special speed to challenge and break down opposing defenses. That has really worked to bring her game to the next level,” head coach Megan Kavanaugh said. “She has become stronger on the ball, more creative in her attacks and plays with a passion and determination that earned her the title of captain as a junior. Her energy and confidence not only elevated her only play but the play of the team. She has combined her speed, strength and skill in a way that has attracted attention and shows why she is ready for the next level.”

Gianna Mathews - Curry College

“Gianna has been a four-year varsity player and a consistent force for us in the middle of the field. She truly understands what it takes in order to be successful. She is willing to do whatever she needs to to achieve her goals. She’s a quiet leader who consistently found her voice this season and became a driving force behind our team. Whether she was controlling the midfield or stepping up as a captain or target or whatever she needed to do, she was willing to do whatever it took. No matter the situation, Giana kept pushing forward, showing determination and a relentless attitude that inspired others around her.”

Boys Lacrosse

Riley Doty - UMass Boston

“This is a special day for myself and the entire lacrosse program as we honor Riley,” head coach Christopher Kennedy said. “He has represented this program with toughness, commitment and character. Whether it was at practice, the classroom or gameday, he consistently led by example. What makes Riley special isn’t just his ability as a lacrosse player, it’s the way he carries himself and the impact he’s had on everyone in the program.”

“This year as a captain he quickly earned the respect of his teammates through hard work, continuity and leadership. He’s the kind of player every coach trusts and every team needs. Today is also a reminder of how special this accomplishment truly is. Thousand of high school athletes compete every year, but only a small percentage continue playing.”

“As a coach, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is to see players continue their career. On behalf of the entire Southington lacrosse community, thank you Riley for everything you’ve done for this team and program. We’re proud of the player you’ve become and even more proud of the man you are.”

Softball

Angie Insogna - Keene State College

“Angie doesn’t show much. She’s up here smiling, but when she’s pitching, she doesn’t look like this at all,” head coach Michelle Boisvert said. “She’s ahead of the count, behind of the count, runners in scoring position, she never ever doubts herself. I go out and talk to her, she says, ‘Coach, I got this, don’t worry.’ I have complete confidence in her. She has been a tremendous leader on and off the field.”

Olivia Gombotz - University of Hartford

“Olivia is a phenomenal player. If you’ve ever watched her play, she gives 120 percent every time. I’ve never seen her walk away from a practice or a game with a clean uniform. She has been tremendously clutch for us this year. If we’re trying to make a comeback or a rally, she is the epitome of a team player.”

Addison Lasek - Wheaton College

“She has been hurt this year. But last year, we didn’t have a first baseman. What did Addie do? ‘I’ll play it!’ She did a nice job. This year we needed her to catch, she said, ‘Okay, I’ll catch.’ She will do what is needed for the team to be successful. She never hesitates. She has come to practice, games, she has been on her teammates, been a leader and become an important part of our team. She is here every day, every practice.”

Aubrey Perugini - Endicott College

“Aubrey has been a starter and one of the most pivotal players in this program. She leads by example with the way she plays. She hustles, her drive, her desire, her skillset. She is always encouraging her teammates. She has had a knee injury this year, but it has not slowed her down. She never has an excuse.”

“All these girls are tremendous athletes, tremendous persons, tremendous with our teammates,” Boisvert concluded. “I’m just so lucky and fortunate to have the opportunity to coach them.”

Football

Danny Corrado - Endicott College

Lonnie Green - Plymouth State University

Mason Nardi - Curry College

“When I look back at this year’s team, a lot of people asked me what I did or what the coaching staff did in Week 5 when we were 2-3,” head coach Rob Levesque said. “The answer is nothing. It’s what these guys did. These three, among others, picked up the team throughout the entire season. The way they went to work every day, their energy on December 13 was just the same as September 11 when we played our first game.”

“For 365 days, for at least 320 of them, these guys led every offseason lift, every camp, everything that happened. When we began the season, the three of them, among others, stepped up and put our program back on the map.”

Baseball

Connor Lentini - University of St. Joseph

“Connor has been an important part of our varsity program and one of the leaders of this team as a captain and starting outfielder,” head coach Stan Switala said. “Connor brings competitiveness and intensity every single day. He’s the type of player every coach wants in their program. He has worked extremely hard to develop into a complete player and has earned the respect of the coaching staff and players. We’re proud of his leadership on and off the field and excited to watch his academic and baseball journey at the next level.”

Max Pierce - University of St. Joseph

“He represents everything you want in a student athlete. Toughness, leadership, consistency and accountability. Catching at the varsity level is not easy. He has the respect of our players and coaches for his work ethic and ability to handle a pitching staff at a high level. More importantly, he’s an outstanding person who leads by example every single day. We’re very proud of Max and excited to see him continue his academic and baseball career at the next level."

Rugby

Olivia Groth - Bowdoin College

“Throughout her four years, this work ethic has been unmatched,” head coach Gabby Benitez said. “She has spent countless hours in the offseason preparing to compete at the highest level. Her skills have continued to grow, making her a reliable and constructive leader on the field. We wish her the very best in college and we’re proud to call her a Southington High School girls rugby grad.”

Boys Soccer

Eric Orstad - Fitchburg State University

“Eric is a huge soccer guy, a passionate soccer player his whole entire life. Played countless hours of soccer over the years, huge thank you to his parents for trucking him all over the state, in New England, getting him to all these games and practices,” head coach Austin Magaro said. “Never stopped working, one of the most intense practicers we have. He has real passion for this sport and I’m really excited he gets to continue this journey at the next level.”

Cian Twohill - Emmanuel College

“Huge shout to your parents for all the energy and passion you put into the love he has for playing soccer all these years, all these teams all over the place. We knew Cian was going to be really successful in this program from the minute he stepped on the field as a freshman. Three years as a varsity defender for us, playing all across the back line. He is a natural leader, he has a great head on his shoulders. I’m proud of the energy he brought to this program and I’m proud to see where his next steps take him.”

Girls Volleyball

Camilla Garcia - Delaware Valley University

Paige Raines - Springfield College

Alexandra Wagner - St. Lawrence University

“Three of the hardest workers in the gym on a daily basis,” head coach Rich Heitz said. “Competitors, they’ve experienced a lot here at Southington. It took a lot of hard work and effort over the years. The three of these ladies have so much potential at the next level. I look forward to watching.”

Wrestling

Chiemeka Ogbuagu - Trinity College

“He came in four years ago, you could tell right away that he was going to be spectacular,” head coach Derek Dion said. “He’s gifted, he’s a hard worker. He has earned his right to wrestle in college. Just barely stepping into his potential.”

Jake Rivera - Misericordia University

“I met Jake in 2023, he was wrestling a match in Bristol. I was sitting there watching him, thinking he was going to be special. I was right. He was the undefeated State champion this year.”

“The two guys you see up here are probably two of the hardest workers that I have come across in a long, long time. They’re also class acts, great students, great kids. Both of them, room full of medals in four short years. I’m really going to miss them and I’m really proud of them.”

Boys Track & Field

Nick Fusco - Western New England University

“Over the years understanding of mechanics and technique and is consistently looking for ways to improve,” head coach Jaclyn Sullivan said. “He has become an athlete you naturally would go to for guidance. He’s always willing to teach, support and help runners improve. Nick is someone who is honest, loyal and always invested in the people around him.”

Luke Wolf - Trinity College

“He knows when it’s time to lock in, focus and work hard. But he also knows when to keep things light and relaxed. He is deeply committed to the team and consistently brings an attitude and perspective that makes us stronger on a whole.”

“Both Nick and Luke have shown tremendous growth since sophomore year. They’ve become respected captains of their own programs. Both Luke and Nick have helped shape our programs with their leadership, commitment and example they’ve provided. We’re excited to see what they accomplish at the next level.”

Girls Track & Field

Adriana Paszkowski - Springfield College

“Adriana is one of the most competitive female athletes that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching here at Southington. She will do whatever the team needs, even if that means competing at four events in a regular season dual meet, which has only encouraged her, she only wants to compete in four,” head coach Jaclyn Sullivan said. “Her dedication, toughness and selflessness has made a tremendous impact on the program. Adriana has also supported and fostered the culture among the girls’ team. Whether it’s sprints, hurdles or jumps, she approaches each talent with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a willingness to learn the technical aspects.

“She’s incredibly coachable, embraces feedback and consistently looks for ways to improve both physically and mentally as an athlete. She sets examples every day through her competitiveness, consistency and willingness to put the team first. Her teammates respect her not only because of what she accomplishes on the track, but because of the type of person she is. Adriana has been an invaluable part of our program and we’re excited to see what she accomplishes at the next level.”

Katie Cavanaugh - Central Connecticut State University

“Katie is without a doubt one of the best female distance runners I’ve had the pleasure to coach over the past 12 years,” Sullivan said. “Her accomplishments include multiple school records, All-Conference and All-State honors, qualifying for the New England State Championships and qualifying for Nationals multiple times. But what she brings to this program goes beyond performances and results. Katie truly loves running. She loves her team, she loves the community and she brings that passion into everything she does. At the same time she has been an absolute fierce competitor on the track or cross country course.”

“She has an incredible ability to strive for the moment with confidence and toughness. What makes Katie unique is how she shares her love for the sport with those around her. She has a desire to make her teammates feel supported and motivated to improve. She brings in positivity, consistency and authenticity. Younger athletes naturally look to her as an example of what it means to be a teammate.”

“Katie constantly analyzes her performance, learning from her races to grow both mentally and physically. Her dedication, leadership and passion has helped shape the culture of our distance program, cross country programs and track programs as a whole. She will leave an impact on Southington track & cross country long after she has graduated. We’re excited for what she accomplishes in this next step at the D1 level.”

Boys Tennis

Remarks by coaches Steve Jasulavic and Matt Wayton

Noah Grezlik - Curry College

“He has been with us all four years. He showed continuous improvement that led him to the varsity lineup his sophomore year. He has been an anchor for our doubles lineup. He is the consummate team player and has a great ability to shake off adversity. He was voted a captain by his teammates for his dedication, growth and maturity the past four years.”

Eric Ludden - Curry College

“From a coaching perspective, that selflessness is a coach’s dream and will make him a cornerstone of his future college program.”

Girls Lacrosse

Rocklyn Cardillo - Hobart and William Smith Colleges

“Roxy has worked really hard to stay on the field this year,” head coach Dee Stephan said. “She has suffered a lot of setbacks as far as injuries. She has overcome those and she has really made her mark on the field. I look forward to seeing both of them as they compete at the next level.”

Maeve Bugnacki - Keene State College

“I just want to say thank you to my family for the love and support that has pushed me through my lacrosse journey since first grade,” Bugnacki said. “And for Coach Dee coming in this year and for not only believing in me but seeing the best in me, making me the best person on and off the field.”