Just one very-talented hurdler and one insanely-gifted sprinter are returning state champions from last winter. The rest have since graduated. That, of course, means will have plenty of new faces standing atop the podium at this year’s indoor track & field state championships.
Just who will those new faces be this season? Just who will make the biggest impact on the oval behind the cage or inside the infield? Will anyone challenge our 2023 champions, Ethan Knight of Barrington and West Warwick’s Lisa Raye? Knight earned gold last year in the 55-meter hurdles and followed that performance during the outdoor campaign where he claimed the 110m hurdles, too. As for Raye, has there ever been a more impressive debut for ninth grader in the history of the state? The answer there would be an emphatic no, not even close. The Wizard s standout, along with her sister, Xenia Raye, singlehandedly led their team to its first-ever team title at the states. For Lisa, her contributions included three gold medals with triumphs 55m dash and hurdles as well as the long jump. That day proved to be one of a multitude of highlights for the nationally-ranked and record-setting Raye, who outdid herself on the outdoor surface by adding four more titles.
Throughout the next few weeks, Ocean State Running will preview the indoor season. We’ll give it our best shot to let you know the athletes that have the potential to shine this winter.
