The Staples High School boys indoor track team won its ninth straight state class championship today at the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Class L meet at the New Haven Athletic Center.
Members of the Staples boys indoor track team and coaches celebrate their ninth consecutive state championship win today in New Haven. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) David Mortner for WestportNow.com
The Wreckers, with Coach Laddie Lawrence at the helm, successfully defended their title by a 63 to 52 margin over runner-up Wilbur Cross of New Haven.
The team title for Staples was accomplished by only two event wins—Matt Marriott in the 600-meter run as he came from behind to edge Cas Loxsom of Wilbur Cross 1:22:00 to 1:22.04.
The second event win came from Ben Rosa in the long jump with a leap of 21-feet, 6.25-inches.
Staples also had a pair of second places from Paul Chandler in the pole vault as he finished behind Cory Calamari of Fitch (13’0”) and the Wreckers 4x400m relay team that was edged by Wilbur Cross at the line, 3:29.29 to 3:29.68.
The win streak for the Staples extends back to the 1999-2000 season when there were only four class championships.
The Wreckers were champions in Class M through four seasons to 2003.
When the state championships were increased to include the Class LL meet in 2004, Staples moved up to Class L and continued its win streak.
