The Bishop Ireton girls’ track team turned in an excellent performance at the 2002 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships held at Galludet University.

The order of finish was: 1) Seton - 162 points, 2) Carroll - 129 3) Ireton - 55, 4) McNamara - 51.33, 5) Paul VI - 46.67, 6) St. John’s - 39, 7) O'Connell - 33, 8) Holy Cross - eight, and 9) Good Counsel - three.

It was the first time in school history that the Ireton girls finished in the "top three" of the conference championship.

"I was very proud of the girls," said second-year head coach Derek Catsam. "Everyone pulled together. They worked hard. It was certainly one of the finest teams in Ireton history, and it was the first time the girls ever placed in the top three of the W.C.A.C."

Leading the Cardinals was senior standout Laura Kaye, who placed first in the 800(2:24.57), second in the 300 hurdles (47.80) and fifth in the long jump (15'07.75); junior sensation Jessica Wolfe - first in 3200 (11:28.11), second in 1600 (5:23.18) and fifth in 800 (2:30.55); and senior Megan O'Donnell - fifth in 100 hurdles (18.19).

In addition, the 4x800 relay team placed first (9:48.85). It featured junior Emily Brant, sophomore Claire Kugler, junior Megan Glassmacher and Kaye.

The 4x400 relay team placed fifth, and the 4x200 relay team placed sixth.

"All four events that I participated in were the best times/marks of the year," said Kaye. "I originally got involved with track and field in order to be in better shape for soccer. Everything came together this weekend, and all of the hard work has paid off."

Kaye likely will play soccer at Catholic University in the fall.

"My 11:28.11 (in the 3,200)was my best time of the season," said Wolfe. "I have been fortunate to have been able to have won the 3200 all three seasons so far at the WCAC meet."

Leading the Paul VI Panthers was senior Jean Tarascio – first in the high jump (5'02.00), sixth in the long jump (15'00.50) and sixth in the triple jump (31'07.00); senior Megan Fogarty - third in the 1,600 (5:34.49) and fourth in the 800 (2:28.60); sophomore Katie O'Callaghan - third in the discus (90'08.00) and tied for sixth in the high jump (4'06.00); senior Katie Thorn - fourth in the shot put (31'08.00); and senior Colleen Holley - tied for sixth in the high jump (4'06.00).

In addition, PVI’s 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams placed fifth.

"I was very pleased to have been able to place first in the conference meet" said Tarascio. "My best mark all-time was a 5'04 in a dual meet versus O'Connell earlier this year." She is likely to compete at Radford University in the fall.

O'Connell was led by senior Martina Melliand - first in the shot put (36'04.00); freshman Darcy Fitzpatrick - tied for third in the high jump (4'08.00); junior Jillian Milatzo - fourth in the discus 87'04.00) and junior Alanna Robinson - fifth in the high jump. In addition, the 4x100, 4x400 and 4x800 relays each placed fourth.

The boys competition was decidedly more difficult. O’Connell finished sixth, Ireton finished eighth and PVI finished ninth.

Leading O'Connell were seniors Tim Folayan and Matt Lightfoot. The Knight’s 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams placed fourth.

"We performed quite well, especially considering the fact that we were missing some of our kids," said first-year coach Gerry Llames.

Ireton was led by seniors Nick Mazzenga and Nick Continetti.

PVI senior Brian Blanchard finished sixth in 1,600 (4:44.87). "It was my best time of the year," he said. "I had a good race."

In the Virginia State Catholic Track and Field Meet in Richmond, the Ireton girls won the competition with 142 points. PVI finished second and O'Connell third.

Benedictine won the boys title. O'Connell placed second, Ireton third and PVI fourth.