Jackie Gaughan Triples To Push Exeter To Team Title

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

One of the most highly decorated track athletes in New Hampshire state history made sure to leave her mark over the weekend. A six-time All-American, Jackie Gaughan of Exeter won the 1,600 meters (4:58.37), broke a Division 1 state record in the 3,200 (10:14.35) and placed second in the 800 (2:21.24). Aside from the individual honors, her 28 points helped propel Exeter to the state title Friday night at Merrimack High.

“I don’t like to triple with our distance athletes, but we asked her to take one for the team (and run the 800)," Exeter head coach Joe Scascitelli told the seacoastonline.com. "She rose to the occasion, and that was part of the deciding factor tonight (Friday).”

Winnacunnet senior Billy Powers tied the all-time state record in 110 Division 1 hurdles, clocking 14.00 seconds, and set a divisional record in the 300 hurdles (37.98).

Pinkerton senior Jadyn Ruimwijk led his team to a Division 1 team title, winning the 100 (10.98), 200 (22.18) and ran on the first place 4x400 (3:27.62).

In Division II action Saturday at Kennett High in Conway, the Portsmouth boys and girls swept the team titles.

Kath Merchant of Lebanon set a divisional record in the javelin (136-4).

Senior Orion Clachar of Coe-Brown won the DII 110 hurdles (15.22) and 300 hurdles (41.19).

At the Division III meet at Winnisquam High in Tilton, Berlin senior Joey Fodor threw the javelin 187-6 for a divisional record.

Belmont senior Hunter Dupuis won the DIII 100 (11.61) and 200 (22.87).

Team Champions

Division 1 -- Pinkerton boys 121 points; Exeter girls 109 points

Division 2 -- Portsmouth boys 89; Portsmouth girls 70.50

Division 3 -- Campbell boys 71; White Mountains girls 59