Chowdhury shakes struggles to take All-State title, Kirn also delivers crown

Mar. 2—Andover's Neil Chowdhury was still angry eight days after finishing fourth in the 600-meter at the MIAA Division 1 Championship.

"Last week at the state meet I ran awful, going out way too hard and getting out-kicked," he remembered. "This week, I definitely had a chip on my shoulder, and I was able to go out slower, and out-kick the competition to get the victory. It was a strong race entirely from me, as I was able to trust my training and finish strong. This race I was finally able to execute properly."

Put it together — and delivered an All-State title.

Chowdhury flew to victory in the 600 in 1:23.06, edging Luke Boothroyd of Hopkinton (1:23.38), at the MIAA All-State Track Meet on Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

It was the first All-State title for Chowdhury, a senior, after finishing sixth last winter.

"This win means a lot for me," he said. "I spent a lot of last season coming in third and fourth in my races and was never able to rise to the top of the competition. I've worked tirelessly to get this victory, and it finally came true today. I can definitely say that it feels really nice to be at the top."

KIRN KEEPS DOMINATING

With such a loaded field in the boys 1,000, Andover's Colin Kirn knew he had to take charge early at All-States.

"The race was super crowed, with everyone seeded within a few seconds of each other," said Kirn, a senior. "So I knew my best bet at winning was to take it out fast and not give it back. It was a really difficult race, but ultimately my race plan worked and I was able to win. It was a great race."

Kirn earned the victory in 2:30.08, less than two seconds better than the runner-up, for his All-State crown on Saturday. Kirn won his first Division 1 title last week, and the MVC title two weeks ago.

"It's hard to say what this means to me," he said. "This has been my goal all season, and to be able to accomplish it is a different kind of feeling. I'm really grateful for the level of competition this season and for all the work my coaches have put in. I'm beyond excited to be the state champion!"

KILEY SHINE

Division 1 champ and Andover distance star Molly Kiley took third in the 2-mile (1:55.00).

"I knew (the leaders) were going to take the race out aggressively, so my plan was to stick on them and finish strong," said Kiley. "I lost them on the last lap, but I still ran a personal best, so I am happy with my effort. I've yet to have much success at (All-States), so I'm happy to place third in the state!"

All three athletes are expected to compete at the New England Track Championship on Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center.

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