Gaughan, O'Brien light up New Hampshire MOC

By Mary Albl for DyeStat

NASHUA, N.H. – Another race, more record performances for Jackie Gaughan and Patrick O’Brien. 

The dynamic duo from New Hampshire once again impressed Saturday at the Meet of Champions. On the fast Mines Falls course at Nashua South High School, Gaughan, a junior from Exeter, won the 5,000 meter race in a record time of 17 minutes, 14.6 seconds. According to seacoastonline.com, Gaughan bested the old time of 17:28 that was held since 2007 by Hanover's Georgia Griffin. 

Runner-up was standout freshman Caroline Fischer of Bishop Guertin (17:43.2). Five runners all finished under 18 minutes.

Souhegan was the top team, finishing with 89 points.

For the boys, O'Brien came dangerously close to breaking the 15 minute mark. The senior from Oyster River clocked 15:03.4, more than 45 seconds faster than second place finisher Cameron Starr of Pelham (15:51.5). O'Brien's time set a new course record according to seacoastonline.com. The previous record was 15:07.8 from 2010 held by Jeff LaCoste of Bishop Guertin.

Qualified runners will now compete at New Englands on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Ponaganset High in North Scituate, Rhode Island.