To say the boys’ weight throw at this Saturday’s RILL Indoor State Championships could be one of the most exciting events of the day could be the understatement of the season, perhaps the year!
An event that has had nearly a half dozen different state-leaders throughout the winter, had yet another Friday night. Bishop Hendricken’s Matt Giuliano became the latest thrower to attain No. 1 status, achieving his top ranking in the high school event at the Millrose Games in New York City. Giuliano flirted with a 70-footer with a heave of 69-4.25. His effort earned him a runner-up finish and ranks No. 12 on the school’s all-time list and No. 6 nationwide this year.
On Sunday, the meet also featured a new state record from West Warwick’s Lisa Raye. Competing in a loaded 60-meter race, the West Warwick phenom blazed to a time of 7.39 to finish fourth overall. Her effort smashed her own state mark of 7.54, set last year at the New Balance Nationals.
For the weight, Giuliano moved ahead of previous No. 1, Woonsocket’s Shamrock Thoun, who was third at Millrose with a best of 68-8.5. Rhode Island athletes snagged seven of the top 10 placements in the meet with Lincoln’s Tyler Durang (fourth, 65-2.25), Woonsocket’s Adam Beaudry (sixth, 62-10), Hendricken’s Derrick Goll (seventh, 62-8.75), Coventry’s Zack DelSasso (eighth, 61-7) and Exeter/West Greenwich’s Owen Spira (tenth, 59-1.25).
The Ocean State brought home gold in the girls’ event with Woonsocket’s Adelaide Caron improving her state best with a heave of 51-8.25. Woonsocket’s Isabella Piette took the bronze with a PR of 48-11. Also among the top finishers were Ponaganset’s Gianna Decesare (fourth, 47-1.75), Coventry’s Mia Hoskins (fifth, 46-8.25), Woonsocket’s Angelina Ortiz (seventh, 44-7.5) and Classical’s Gifty Bediako (eighth, 44-1.50).
