Triumph in Track & Field

Senior captain Jenna Daly recently topped two Suffield Academy Track & Field records in the 800m and 1500m timed events while freshman Keyvanna Bennett added another in the shot put. The 800m record was previously owned by Janet Staley ’81 at 2:25.20 with Daly running it in 2:22.85 during an intrasquad meet at home on April 24. The 1500m mark was owned by Izzy Dutranoit ’19 at 4:56.11 and bested by Daly in 4:50.96 against Pomfret on May 1. No to be outdone by her teammate, Bennett threw for 38’ 6.5” against Pomfret to eclipse the previous record owned by Taylor Peucker ’11.

About the season, her preparation, goals, and accomplishments Daly commented, “My training had been going well and I felt strong during practices leading up to those two meets. My season goals were to break both of those records. For the 800m race, my coach and I decided to use a new racing technique called Positive Splitting, where I take the first lap much faster than usual and try to hold on during the second lap. It was very successful and pulled me under the 2:25 mark. I was very proud of this race because I did not have real competition so I had to push myself alone.”

She added, “In the 1500m race we were up against Pomfret who did not have any female distance runners. That, combined with the windy conditions, made me think that I would be unable to break the record. I felt very strong during the first two laps and ran a faster pace than usual to start, which made the third lap easier. The most difficult part of a 1500m race is the third lap because you have to push yourself mentally as well as physically. My goal was to run a 4:55 so I was ecstatic when I heard my coach announce 4:50!” 

Daly concluded, “Sophomore year I unknowingly competed with mono, and last year I was only able to run in virtual meets, so it has been great to compete against other teams this year. Being able to race other competitors and have my teammates cheer me on motivates me to push my limits even further.”

Guests can learn more about track & field by visiting the Suffield Academy website.