PHOTO:

Mark Muiruri(C), a senior at the North Andover High school with teammates during a senior send off event at the school to celebrate outstanding efforts by the school's 2024 athletics team.He was among seniors who have qualified for the State D2 finals to be held at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athleti

By:

HARISON MAINA

Posted:

Feb,15-2024 20:32:47

BOSTON, MA,__Two Kenyan Diaspora high school boys from North Andover and Holden in Massachusetts were among top qualifiers for the upcoming Divisional State Athletics finals in the 300 meter dash category taking place tomorrow at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic center in Boston.

Mark Muiruri, a senior at the North Andover high and son of Ajabu Media publisher clocked a personal best time of 38.15 seconds in the 300 meter dash to qualify for the Division 2 finals, while Amani Mbugua, another Kenyan Diaspora boy from Wachusett Regional High school in Holden posted an impressive time of 38.08 seconds, booking a spot among the finalists in the Division1 finals. However, the record for the category was set by Natanael Catala from Haverhill high who clocked in at 34.36 seconds.

Muiruri also took part in the 4x400 relay finals during the Merrimack Valley Conference (MVC) indoor championship competition last Friday February 9^th where Lowell high school scooped the overall best team title in the boys category, followed by Haverhill and North Andover respectively. Lowell Central Catholic High school took the 2024 overall team title in the girls category.

North Andover High school boys indoor track and field team poses for a picture during a senior send off event on Thursday February 8. AJABU IMAGES/H.MAINA

Muiruri also represented North Andover in the 4x400 meter relay team that set a new personal best record during the MVC final. However, North Andover had to settle for a third-place finish as their impressive performance was not sufficient enough to overcome stiff competition in the category won by Haverhill followed by Lowell high.

“I feel very good that we still won a medal and set a new school record despite losing to recapture the title. The competition was very tight and I congratulate Haverhill high for their victory,” said Muiruri while speaking to Ajabu Media, adding that he was really happy to be part of the high school team that has had a very impressive season. “I hope to do better in the 300 meters final.” he added.

During a senior sendoff event held at the school Friday, Muiruri said he hopes to continue improving on his budding athletics career when he joins college in the Fall with a preference for Umass Boston or a similar college.

“Mark has worked very hard to keep on improving throughout this season and is now consistently posting very impressive times. He looks to continue running good races when he joins college,” said a school athletics official during the senior sendoff event.

The two Kenyans hope to do even better when they hit the track tomorrow during the Divisional finals. The meet is slated to kick off at 2.30pm. Another Kenyan boy from Lowell High school, holds the MVC championship record in the 55 metres race at 7.50 seconds, set in the 2020 edition of the popular contest.

We are wishing Mark and Mbugua all the best as they face off with other talented athletes.

Source:

AJABU AFRICA NEWS