Girls' Cross Country

Athlete of the Year - Erika Pena, Toll Gate

Posted 7/9/15

Erika Pena told the Beacon’s Kevin Pomeroy one year ago that she aimed to break the 20-minute mark in her senior season.

The cross country star came through on that goal.

Pena was named …

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Girls' Cross Country

Athlete of the Year - Erika Pena, Toll Gate

Posted

Erika Pena told the Beacon’s Kevin Pomeroy one year ago that she aimed to break the 20-minute mark in her senior season.

The cross country star came through on that goal.

Pena was named First Team All-Class B after finishing in 23rd at the RIIL Cross Country State Championship in the fall, 14 places higher than the next Warwick runner. 

“I think she really got stronger, more confident,” Toll Gate cross country head coach Jon Deming said about how Pena’s improved over the past three years.

She finished in just under 20 minutes at a time of 19 minutes and 57.57 seconds. The next best runner from Toll Gate was Sophia Maynard, who finished 94th overall at a time of 22:26.64.

Pena made a large jump from where she passed the finish at last year’s state championship, too. She came in 32nd with a time of 20:21.19.

In two years, she rose 35 spots from finish 58th overall in 2012. She has finished in first among Toll Gate runners in each of the last three seasons.

Pena was able to succeed in her pursuit of finishing in under 20 minutes, and with how she has improved every season there is no telling what the future could hold. 

Deming said that Pena intends on walking on for the women’s track and field team at the University of Rhode Island in the fall. 

“I think she can do whatever she puts her mind to,” Deming said. “She’s just one of those kids that is athletically gifted and very smart. She got hurt in outdoor track, and the more she gets stronger, the more she does.”

- J.M.

ALL CITY TEAM

Bryana Mullin, Pilgrim - 37th at states

Danika Wayss, Pilgrim - 43rd at states

Sophia Maynard, Toll Gate - 94th at states

Maranda Duffie, Pilgrim - 96th at states

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jon Deming, Toll Gate

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