Winter Track

On February 15, the Bishop O'Connell track team wrapped up its 2024-25 season at the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) State Championships. The day was filled with personal records and strong performances by all the athletes in attendance. The O’Connell team had successfully qualified at least one athlete in every individual event and one team for each relay, with each athlete having to meet the high VISAA standards. 

Ciara Bliven, a shot put and discus thrower in her junior year, threw an impressive 28 feet 11 inches in shot put. Bliven also holds the school record in girls discus. “Caira had a great season,” said Coach Dziepak, the O’Connell shot put and discus coach. “She qualified for the state championships in shot put at the Virginia Beach Showcase meet, then at states made the finals, then moved up two places to finish with a sixth place [and] an indoor personal record.” Many more outstanding performances followed, including the O’Connell girls 4x200  meter relay (Gabi Jordan, Imani Hooks, Caitlin Musolino, and Isabelle Rodriguez). The group finished first in their heat, holding off the next fastest team by a large gap. The girls 4x800, consisting of Sadie Smith, Mairin Dziepak, MJ Selwood, and Camila Soruco, set a personal record of 11:09.19, and secured a fourth place finish in their heat. Lance Jayme, running in the 3200m, was first in his heat by about 4 seconds, securing the win in 10:32.06. As he said, “Parking lot practice paid off!” The team has also made big gains when it comes to competing on their own track. In many events, the student athletes have improved significantly at home meets thanks to the incredible coaches helping them. 

During the end-of-season banquet on February 18th Coach James Conner, math department chair and head coach of the winter track team, took time to express his pride in the team’s great success the past few months. After Coach Connor’s speech, several awards were given out to athletes for achievements throughout the season.

Gabi Jordan was given the award for most outstanding student athlete for girl’s events. In the VISAA championships, Jordan finished 4th in long jump against a tough field of competitors. Jayse Brefcyznski received the title of most outstanding student athlete in the men’s events. Brefcyznski had an incredible performance in the 1600 meter run, with a time of 4:32.95, taking home a well-earned bronze medal. 

Ryan Street, named one of the most outstanding freshmen, set a personal record in the 500  meter dash with a time of 1:11.09, with the standard time being 1:11.50. Street said he had a slight hesitation when he thought he heard the gun go off twice. Usually this signals a fall or false start, meaning the race would be recalled. Despite this hesitation, he continued racing and went on to qualify for the freshman indoor New Balance Nationals 500 meter.  Peter Fleenor was the other recipient, having competed in the boys 4x800 meter, boys 1000 meter, and boys 1600 meter at VISAAs. Fleenor showed incredible consistency throughout the season, becoming one of the top athletes and a standout freshman.  

Camila Soruco finished first in her 500 meter heat with a season personal record of 1:26.66. She earned the most outstanding freshman award for the girls, showing dominance in both the 500 meter and 800 meter the past few months.

Finally, Mariel Irish-Maldonado was awarded as the most valuable athlete. Irish-Maldonado raced in a variety of events this season, showing her versatility, competing in everything from sprints to distances up to the 400 meter dash. This season, she competed in the 55, 200, 300, and 400 meter dashes.

Many student athletes are eager to continue track into the spring, preparing for another exciting season. Students can watch the upcoming outdoor home meets on March 7 and 24.