ConVal honors boys indoor track team; board pledges to fund indoor-record plaque

The Contoocook Valley School District school board recognized the ConVal boys indoor track and field team for finishing as state runner-up and for several individual achievements.

Coach Cindy McLaughlin and assistant coach Evan Cohen joined athletes at the meeting. Senior William Smart was recognized as the state champion in the 3,000 meters (8:42) and for setting school records; junior Ross Stevens won the 300 meters and set a school record; senior Kendrick Edwards finished second in the 55-meter dash with a personal record (6.64 seconds); senior Max Jalofsky placed sixth in the shot put (43 feet, 2.5 inches); and sophomore Griffin Schultz set a school and personal record in the high jump (5 feet, 10 inches). The coaches noted several athletes qualified for New England competition and that the team set five or six school records this indoor season.

Coach Cindy McLaughlin said, "I love to talk about track. You know, it's I'm just so impressed with these guys. They worked really hard, and they deserve it." Assistant coach Evan Cohen and members of the team also spoke briefly about upcoming meets and national-level competitions.

A board member said the district would not require the team to fundraise for a plaque and charged the budget-and-property committee to find money to produce and mount an indoor-track record board before the seniors graduate. Jim Fredericksen, chair of budget and property, acknowledged the charge. The board also praised the athletes' role-modeling and sportsmanship.

No formal vote was required to recognize the team; the board recorded its intent to identify district funds for a plaque and directed the committee to pursue that task.