Gaughan leaves lasting impression on NH MOC

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

While you won't hear Jackie Gaughan make a case verbally for why she's one of the best runners in the country, she's capable of showing you.  

In her final high school cross country race in her home state of New Hampshire, the Exeter senior dominated the Mines Falls 5,000-meter course at Nashua South High, winning the Meet of Champions in a course-record time of 16 minutes, 51.2 seconds. 

"We were hopeful that she would break 17 today," Exeter coach Joe Scascitelli said. "I thought she would be capable because this course is pretty similar to the course at Brown Invitational where she ran 16:48.3." 

Gaughan, No. 6 in the DyeStat rankings, broke her own record from 2016 when she ran 17:14.6. Runner-up junior Julia  Robitaille of Manchester West also put down a great time of 17:05.6. Third place went to sophomore Caroline Fischer of Bishop Guertin (17:47). The team title went to Soughegan (105). Pinkerton (110) was second.

"I think she was very pleased today, happy with the performance," Scascitelli said. "She had some excellent splits at the mile and 2 mile." 

It's been a big season for Gaughan, who recently committed to the University of Notre Dame. Scascitelli said it was a tough decision for her, as she was also deciding between Stanford, Providence, Penn State and a few other top programs. 

"What it came down to was the little things," Scascitelli said. "Notre Dame felt like home for her."

Gaughan will run Nov. 11 at the New England Championships in Belfast, Maine, and then the Foot Locker Northeast regional later this month. Scascitelli said the environment developed at Exeter helped allowe Gaughan to become one of the best runners in state history. 

"I think it's been a four-year process," he said. "I think we have a good support network here at Exeter with co-coach Jeff Holmes and Cathy (Schiro) O'Brien (Olympian and former runner for Scascitelli). Cathy is a great mentor to her. She's got great support." 

In the boys race, Nashua North's David Vorbach won the individual title in 15:30.4 Teammate Max Ireland was second in 15:37.4. Concord claimed the team title with 51 points, placing four runners in the top 12. 

Team champions

Boys - Concord 51 points

Girls - Soughegan 105 points