The Bellport girls varsity winter track season is off to an impressive start, with multiple athletes turning in top performances across several events. n fact, some of the girls have been historically good to begin the new year. Senior Arielle Ross has led the way early, posting one of the strongest runs in program history. At the North Shore Invite in New York City, Ross ran the second-fastest 300-meter time in school history, clocking a 41.59. She finished first overall in a field of 371 runners, currently ranks fourth in Suffolk County, and has qualified for the New York State Meet.
Bellport’s relay teams have also made a major impact. The 4x200-meter relay of Ava Cooley, Shania Creary, Olivia Francis and Ross recorded the fifth-fastest time in school history while placing second at the Nassau Coaches Invite. That performance currently ranks third overall in Suffolk County. Most recently, the team competed at the Suffolk County League Championship, earning an impressive fourth-place finish overall.
Several athletes earned All-League honors during the championship meet. In the 55 meters, Naja Palmer posted the seventh-fastest time in school history. Olivia Francis ran the fourth-fastest 55-meter hurdles time in program history. In the 300 meters, Ross captured the league championship, while Cooley recorded the sixth-fastest time and Francis the seventh-fastest time in school history. Jasmyn Jackson ran the fifth-fastest 600-meter time in program history.
Distance events also featured strong performances. Jocelyn Fitzgerald and Meghan Maragioglio earned All-League honors in the 1,000 meters, while Fitzgerald also placed in the 1,500 meters. Maragioglio posted the seventh-fastest 1,500-meter race walk time in school history. In field events, Arriana Henry recorded the fourth-best shot put throw in school history, and Grace Trani tied the school record in the high jump.
Bellport also claimed league titles in the 4x400 and 4x200 relays, continuing a strong and promising winter season.