SWAMPSCOTT — Despite being undefeated in 1- and 2-mile races during the regular season, Swampscott High’s Annabelle Averett admitted to having some nerves during last week’s Division 5 state championship meet.
“I feel like I’ve been holding myself back during races,” said Averett, a freshman. “My biggest fear is going out too fast and not having any energy.”
After a few conversations with members of the coaching staff, Averett found a different approach ahead of the 1-mile race.
“My mindset was to go in and go all out,” said Averett, who makes sure to eat half-a-bagel with a honeystick before races. “So, I did that – I just tested myself really hard.”
The result: a first-place time of 5:07.36, busted personal record by 19 seconds, and come-from-behind victory after trailing an opponent in the final lap.
And, of course, a state champion label that isn’t going anywhere.
“I was not expecting that,” Averett said with a chuckle. “I was very proud of the outcome and happy.”
She also finished third in the 2-mile (11:22.93). The Swampscott girls (20.5 points) placed 14th out of 36 teams.
Through all of the races and records, Averett’s path was almost very different. One of her main sports growing up was lacrosse, which she loved.
Wanting to choose between track and lacrosse, there was something about the former that separated itself from everything else.
“It was a very hard decision for me, but I chose track because I just liked my track community so much – I wanted to stay with them,” Averett said.
With that community by her side at the high school level, Averett has run away with the sport.
She’s a two-time Daily Item All-Star (cross country, winter track), Northeastern Conference champion in the mile, and All-NEC runner.
“It’s been amazing – everyone here is so nice and welcoming,” Averett said. “I love high school so much.”
By her side have been Swampscott’s coaches – none more so than W.F. Newhall, a former Swampscott High runner who graduated in 1976 and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.
“He’s amazing. There are other coaches, too, who are amazing, but Newhall mainly works with the distance people,” Averett said. “He’s able to have fun with us, but he knows how to train, be more strict, and get work done with each person.”
Inside the school, Averett is Vice President of her class.
“I love being involved in the school . . . it’s also just fun to help fundraise for everything,” she said. “And the people I work with are amazing.”
Even though she’s only a freshman, track and field could be with Averett for a long time.
“Yeah. I definitely want to continue with the sport for as long as I possibly can,” said Averett, whose favorite athlete is Olympic runner Parker Valby, a six-time NCAA champion who competed for the University of Florida. “If an opportunity comes, I’ll definitely take it.”
