Swampscott High School freshman Annabelle Averett won the mile at the Division 5 Outdoor Track and Field State Championships on Saturday, with a time of 5:07.36.
“I didn’t expect to get that time so soon,” Annabelle said. “I did not realize I was going to be that fast.”
Annabelle finished two seconds ahead of Izzy Wheler of Weston High School (5:09.37). On her third of four laps, Annabelle saw her split time and realized she could set a major personal record. She beat her previous personal best by 19 seconds, according to Middle School Principal Jason Calichman.
“She is a fantastic kid, a terrific student, and embodies what we are all about here in Swampscott,” Calichman said.
Coach W.F. Newhall said Annabelle passed his “eye test” early in the season and has worked to get to where she is at track practices.
“I was super excited for Annabelle to get that win,” Newhall said. “That was a huge breakthrough for her.”
Annabelle admitted she has been concerned about burnout in a race throughout the season but said Newhall and her parents told her to “just go for it.”
She also had a strong fan section at Westfield State University. Her sister, grandparents, and her parents – who are alumni of the school – were in attendance. Newhall also used to coach at Westfield.
“It came together,” Newhall said. “We all were in tears afterward…We just had a fantastic day on Saturday. It was a special experience.”
Annabelle will compete in the mile and two-mile races at the statewide “Meet of Champions,” as Newhall called it, on Thursday and Saturday. Annabelle said she will work hard this week but that she does not have a specific goal in mind.
“I’ve been very happy with myself this season,” she said. “I’m going to just have fun with it.”
After the state meet, Annabelle will travel to Philadelphia to compete at nationals on June 19 and 20.
Looking ahead, Annabelle said she hopes to keep improving over the next three years of high school. Newhall said the “exciting part” is seeing what Annabelle can accomplish in the years ahead.
“I’m excited,” Annabelle said. “I’m excited to see what’s in my future…I love everything about the sport.”
