The Godwin track team had a successful 2014 Spring season with both the girls’ and boys’ team advancing to states.

The boys’ team had three individuals named to the all-state team, sophomore Carter Ward, junior Aaron D’Amato, and junior Duncan Goodrich. The boys 4×4 relay team, composed of senior Julius Mills, senior Marquis Morris, junior Zach Dalton, and Goodrich, also received all-state recognition.

“D’Amato, Goodrich, Ward, and Dalton all return next year. (Sophomore) Stephen Tivenan, (sophomore) Claude Queen, and (junior) Ryan Niblock will also play key roles next year,” said boys’ track coach Jon Lauder.

“This season was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait for the next,” said Ward who participated in the state championship for the high jump.

The boys’ team had a successful season, but the girls thrived at states.

The 4×800 team set a new school record with a time of 9:18.81 at states. Seniors Marin Bader, who will run at Mary Washington, Katharine Benfer, and Hannah Bullen, and junior Sarah Goodrich made up the team.  Key runner, senior Bria Anderson, a VMI signee, was unable to participate at the state championship because of an injury, but her injury did not slow the team down.

Benfer, who will run at UVA, won the 3200m conference championship and finished as the runner up at states.

“It was disappointing to be so close to winning states and coming up short, but I am very proud of everyone on the team,” said Benfer.

Bullen came in third at the state meet, breaking the school record for the 800m with a time of 2:17.46. In the regional championship, Bullen won the 800m, and teammate, Goodrich, finished right behind her. Goodrich also placed fourth in the 3200m at states.

Senior Samia McEachin was the runner up at the state meet in the discus throw while sophomore Maddie Philhower recorded her season best in the pole vault where she placed third.

The success continued in the meet when the 4×800 relay team qualified for nationals at states, but they made the decision to not participate in the upcoming meet.

“A great group of seniors is graduating.  [They] will be missed next year. Their leadership and example allowed the team as a whole to excel and hopefully the younger athletes will look to step it up in their absence this year,” said girls’ track coach Sherry Hannay.