Bennington Girls Claim EMC Track & Field Championship, Boys Also Find Success

2–3 minutes

By Marisa Dawson, Photos by Jeff Douglas

A group of young athletes in warm clothing gather outdoors, with two individuals embracing each other. One person in the foreground smiles, while others are in the background, wrapped in blankets.

The Bennington track and field teams delivered a strong performance at last week’s Eastern Midlands Conference (EMC) Tournament, with the girls’ squad capturing the team championship. The Bennington boys also competed admirably, turning in several standout individual and relay efforts across sprints, hurdles, distance, and field events.

Girls Shine in Sprints and Relays

The Bennington girls showcased exceptional speed and depth, particularly in the sprints. Junior Addison Kuntz was one of the meet’s stars, finishing second in the 100-meter dash (12.08a SB) and winning the 200-meter title with a personal-best 24.95a. She contributed to multiple relay successes as well.

Bennington’s 4×400-meter relay team of Georgia Behlen, Kennedy Portwood, Lauren Schmidt, and Addison Nguyen took first place with a strong time of 4:02.31a. The 4×100-meter relay squad — Addison Nguyen, Addison Kuntz, Harper Bohaboj, and Georgia Behlen — earned bronze with a 49.25a performance. The 4×800-meter team secured silver, led by Kennedy Portwood, Taylor Redmond, Ella Marcinek, and Macie Reiner (9:50.60a).

Four female runners in a relay race, passing batons on a track.

In the middle distances, Macie Reiner placed second in the 400m (58.14a) and sixth in the 800m (2:23.54a). Ella Marcinek and Alea Chipperfield also posted solid 800m results. In distance events, Selah Carson took fourth in the 3200m (11:49.32a PB) and Mazlyn Cornett placed 15th in the 1600m.

The hurdles saw strong showings from Adrienne Trebil, who finished second in both the 100m hurdles (15.22a) and 300m hurdles (49.33a), and Kennedy Portwood, who took second in the 300m hurdles (46.92a).

In the field events, Bennington dominated the triple jump with Paige Gargano winning gold (35′ 9.5″) and Kiana Pierre earning silver (35′ 7″). Harper Bohaboj and Lauren Schmidt added valuable points in the long jump, while Brinley Kaczmarek cleared 10′ 0″ PB for third in pole vault.

Boys Deliver Competitive Performances

While the girls claimed the team title, the Bennington boys produced several notable results. In the hurdles, Knox Naughton was outstanding, taking second in both the 110m (14.73a) and 300m (41.15a). Logan Howard also competed well in both hurdle events.

A male athlete performing a high jump over a hurdle during a track and field event.

The 4×400-meter relay team — Brooks Codr, Noah Nichols, Lane Molacek, and Parker Douglas — earned bronze with a time of 3:30.79a. The 4×800 relay placed sixth.

Sprints featured Noah Nichols (fifth in 100m finals at 10.94a) and Lane Molacek. In distance, Thomas Morgan had a strong showing with fourth in the 3200m (10:11.99a) and 12th in the 1600m. Sam Knott and Sam Riffner contributed in the 800m.

Throws were a bright spot for the boys, led by Keagan McElwain, who placed sixth in shot put (51′ 1″) and third in discus (151′ 2″). In pole vault, Kwin Dutoit cleared 11′ 4″ PB for fifth place.

Overall Success

The EMC Tournament highlighted Bennington’s depth across events, with athletes stepping up in sprints, hurdles, relays, and field competitions. The girls’ championship reflects strong team balance and individual excellence, while the boys added valuable points and personal achievements throughout the meet.

Congratulations to all Bennington athletes and coaches on a successful conference championship performance!

A male athlete competing in a hurdle race, mid-jump over a hurdle, wearing a blue and white athletic uniform on a track field.
A male athlete in a blue tank top with 'BENNINGTON' printed on it, wearing sunglasses, runs on a track with hurdles in the foreground. Other athletes and spectators can be seen in the background.
Three high school runners competing in a sprint race on a track, with spectators and vehicles in the background.
Four female athletes competing in a sprint race on a track, showing intense focus and determination.
Two female track athletes competing in a race on a running track, one in a blue jersey and the other in a white jersey.
Two female track athletes sprinting on a track during a race, with one athlete in a black and blue uniform and the other in a white and blue uniform.
High school athletes competing in a hurdle race on an outdoor track, with spectators in the background.
A female athlete competing in a hurdle race, leaping over a hurdle while another runner follows behind.
A young male athlete sprinting on a track during a competition, wearing a blue sports uniform with the name 'Bennington' printed on it.
A female athlete sprinting on a track during a race, wearing a purple and black uniform with the number 4. Spectators are visible in the stands, dressed in various clothing for outdoor weather.
A female athlete in a blue and black running jersey smiles and gives a thumbs up while on a track field.
Digital scoreboard displaying track meet results for Elkhorn Public Schools, featuring athlete names, schools, and times.
A female athlete wearing a blue and white jersey with the number 11 is running on a track during a competition, with other athletes and spectators in the background.
A male athlete in a blue tank top with the number 9 is sprinting on a track during a hurdle race, with another runner in a green shirt in the background.
Three track athletes in a relay race, with one athlete passing a baton to another on a running track.

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