Paul, Michta Earn All-American Status at Nationals

Sachem had a strong contingent at the U.S. Track & Field Outdoor National Championship in Oregon last weekend.

Sachem East’s Rachel Paul broke her own school record in the 1,500 meter run (4:27.35) to place sixth in her heat and advance to Saturday's final.

Then, on Saturday morning, Sachem North’s Katie Michta and East’s Kelly Maranchuck had great races with Michta earning All-American status placing eighth (57:55.50), and Maranchuck placing ninth (58:55.14).

On Saturday evening Paul again broke her school record with a phenomenal race to place fifth (4:26.35), earning her both All-American status and being named as an alternate to the U.S. Junior National Team for the Junior Pan American Games in July.

“As the second alternate she has only an outside shot to be selected, but she had to be fitted in USA Team Gear just in case,” said Sachem East track coach Pete McNeill.

Sachem alum Maria Michta won her third national championship in the racewalk, setting a person and meet record with a time of 1:34:51.47.