Principe finishes Rhode Island season on a winning note

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

One week after competing at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene and coming within a second of breaking four minutes in the mile for the second time this year, David Principe Jr. put a final stamp on the Rhode Island state meet with three victories for La Salle Academy. 

Principe won the 800 meters in 1:53.75, the 1,500 in 3:59.80 and the 3,000 in 8:44.91 in his final high school meet in Rhode Island. 

Central of Providence won its first boys title since 1995 and built a 97-point total on the strength of its sprints. Donatien Djero won the 100 (10.75) and the 400 (49.76) and finished second to teammate Dametrius O'Connor (21.69) in the 200. Central also won the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

Augustus Karweh added another win for the team in the high jump (6-8).

Zeke Cohen of Classical threw 207-7 to win the hammer throw.

In the girls competition, Isabella Gentil of East Greenwich beat 100 meters champion Quinn Harlan of Woonsocket in a fierce 200 meters showdown, 24.74 to 24.78. Harlan also won the long jump.

Sophomore Nikki Merrill of Portsmouth won the 800 meters in 2:14.99 and the 1,500 in 4:29.70.

Westerly, the girls team champion, got its only win in the 4x100 relay. The team was second in the 4x400 and 4x800. 

Gianna Rao of Ponagnset won the hammer with 181-10.

Team Champions

Providence Central boys 97 points, Westerly girls 67