By Michael Letendre
The Bristol Central boys track and field team has enjoyed a tremendous postseason this June.
And from New Britain to Bangor (Maine) to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, athletes from all over Bristol were performing from those venues.
At the recent CIAC Decathlon & Heptathlon Championships from Willow Brook Park in New Britain, Bristol Central’s Kevin Whitford took part in all the events.
And he made big gains at the event, moving up from the ranks to finish in 22nd place overall to end a very trying series of races – spanning two days.
“Kenny Whitford is the man,” said Central boys coach Tamara Stafford-Kirk via Twitter. “[He] moved up from 27th to finish the CT Decathlon in 22nd place. Once again, I’m so proud of this guy for taking a chance on himself and trying a grueling two day event.”
Whitford did well in the pole vault, clearing 10 feet, six inches for eighth place while his high jump finish of five feet, six inches was good for 11th overall.
He also had to run the 100 meters (12.55 seconds) as well as the 110 meter hurdles, 1500 meter race and took several events in the field head on.
Whitford is a talented junior who could be poised for a very big season for the track programs at the school in 2023-24.
But also involved in the postseason was Central’s Patrick Wininger, squaring off against all the competition in the boys 2000 Meter Steeplechase.
And he was impressive, finishing in fifth place overall with a time of 6:50.39.
Hale Ray’s Matthew Kraszewski won the challenge (6:32.69) while Trumbull’s Harjaap Singh (6:33:51) wasn’t far behind.
“Patrick Wininger with a strong fifth place showing at the CT 2K Steeplecase,” said Stafford-Kirk. “[He’s] another one of our guys taking a chance in a new event.”
The junior, an excellent distance runner, can take another shot at the event next season when his senior campaign rolls around.
CIAC Decathlon & Heptathlon Championship – June 12 to June 14
from Veterans Stadium – New Britain, CT
Participant: Kenneth Whitford (Bristol Central)
*100 Meters – 12.55 seconds (41st place)
*110 Meter Hurdles – 18.64 seconds (34th)
*1500 Meters – 5:45.51 (26th)
*Discus Throw – 77 feet, three inches (21st)
*High Jump – 5 feet, six inches (11th)
*Javelin Throw – 109 feet, nine inches (17th)
*Long Jump – 15 feet, 11.50 inches (46th)
*Pole Vault – 10 feet, six inches (8th)
*Shot Put – 33 feet, 10.25 inches (16th)
Boys 2000 Meter Steeplechase Finals:
1. Matthew Kraszewski, Hale Ray, 6:32.69; 2. Harjaap Singh, Trumbull, 6:33.51; 3. Peter Stofa, Trumbull, 6:38.59; 4. Grant Bigger, Conard, 6:38.62; 5. Patrick Wininger, Bristol Central, 6:50.39.
