Cechini Silver Leads Mercersburg Women to MAPL Glory
IslandStats.com
Gabriella Cechini produced a sensational individual performance to help power the Mercersburg Academy Women’s team to the top of the podium at the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) Cross Country Championships. The event was held at the challenging Peddie Golf Club course in New Jersey.
In the Women’s 5,000 Metres Varsity race, Gabriella Cechini delivered a brilliant run, crossing the finish line in second place overall with a superb time of 18:23.1. Her high finish was instrumental in Mercersburg Academy’s dominant team display. The Women's team ultimately secured the championship title, accumulating a winning total of 50 points to comfortably claim the MAPL crown.
The Men's team also competed strongly, with Joseph Cechini representing the Academy in the Men’s 5,000 Metres Varsity event. Joseph clocked a time of 19:17.42 and crossed the line in 39th position. His effort, combined with his teammates’ performances, helped the Mercersburg Academy Men's team secure a respectable 4th place finish overall in the team standings, tallying a total of 46 points.
The day’s results mark a strong showing for Mercersburg Academy in the highly competitive MAPL Championships, with the Women's team returning with the coveted gold.
Monday, October 27, 2025
Bean Steps Down from BNAA Board After 12 Years
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda National Athletics Association (BNAA) recently announced the departure of long-serving and influential administrator Mia Bean, who has stepped down from her position as General Secretary/Vice President after 12 years of dedicated service to the organisation.
Bean’s tenure was marked by significant contributions to both the BNAA’s operations and the broader development of athletics in Bermuda. She was a key figure in several major projects, notably assisting former President Donna Raynor with the successful staging of Area Permit Meets. Bean credited her mentorship under Raynor, stating she "gleaned so much knowledge about sports administration" from the former president.
One of Bean’s most enduring achievements is her commitment to athlete welfare. She was central to the team that hosted the prestigious USATF Bermuda Grand Prix and was responsible for completing the development of the safeguarding policy for the federation. Crucially, while stepping down from the board, she will remain the safeguarding officer for the BNAA.
Her expertise in athlete protection has earned her international recognition. Through her journey down the safeguarding path, Bean was selected to be a part of the influential North American Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Safeguarding Task Force.
While her time on the BNAA board has concluded, Bean has not fully walked away from sports administration. In 2023, she was elected to the Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA) board. Within the BOA, she immediately took on key roles, serving as the chair of the safeguarding committee and remaining an active member of the gender diversity and inclusion committee under chair Donna Raynor.
Bean’s continued high-level involvement ensures her invaluable experience will remain a crucial asset to sports governance in Bermuda.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Trott & Sprincova Power to BNG Run for the Arts 5K Titles
IslandStats.com
Sean Trott and Stepanka Sprincova were crowned the 2025 BNG Run for the Arts 5K Male and Female Champions.
Trott comfortably won by over a minute on second place Domico Watson, Trott was clocked across the line in a time of 17:12, Watson was clocked at 18:26, with Tim Price finishing third in 19:09.
Sprincova was the seventh runner to cross the line she was clocked at 19:55, also winning comfortably by more than two minutes, the second female finisher was Milla Wolfe who was the 25th runner across the line clocking 22:36, and the next runner to cross the line rounded out the podium as Vivienne Lochhead was clocked at 22:49.
Bermuda Cross Country Season Heats Up at Fort Scaur
Sanchez Smith & Naomi MacGuinness
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda National Athletics Association’s Cross Country season continued this weekend with challenging action taking place amidst the historical grounds of Fort Scaur, yielding impressive times across the junior divisions.
The Boys 14-16 Men's 2 Mile Run delivered the fastest time of the day. Sanchez Smith showcased dominant form, winning the race in a speedy 10 minutes and 23.71 seconds. He was closely chased by Tobiah Goodchild (10:40.67) who finished second, while Timothy Pearman completed the podium in third (11:19.49).
In the 12-13 Girls Division Women's 2 Mile Run, Naomi Macguinness claimed a convincing victory, crossing the finish line in 11 minutes and 47.07 seconds. The battle for second was incredibly tight, with Charleigh Gilchrist (16:53.08) just pipping Kayuni Simmons (16:54.43) for the silver medal spot.
The Girls 14-16 Women's 2 Mile Run saw Riana Robinson take the top spot with a strong run of 12 minutes and 27.69 seconds, finishing well ahead of Kelise Wade who claimed second place in 13:41.59.
Finally, in the Boys 12-13 Men's 2 Mile Run, Spencer Haldeman powered through to win with a time of 11 minutes and 31.21 seconds. George Morris came in second (12:32.27), holding off Jemani Scott (12:34.69) for third place in a competitive finish.
Vickers President as BNAA Announces New Board of Directors
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Bermuda National Athletics Association is pleased to announce the results of its recent Board of Directors election, which saw the appointment of a new President and four new Board members, ushering in a new era of leadership for the organization.
In a successful campaign, sitting Treasurer Jarita Vickers was elected as the new President, succeeding former President Freddie Evans. Ms. Vickers prevailed in a contest against Mr. Evans for the top leadership post.
"I am honored and excited to take on the role of President," said Jarita Vickers. "I look forward to working with our talented new and returning Board members to build on our organization's strong foundation and drive our mission forward."
Four new individuals were also elected to fill positions on the Board. The newly elected Board members are:
Karen Tucker Susan Robinson Dage Minors Ruby James
These individuals were chosen from a field of five candidates vying for the available seats.
The election follows the departure of long-serving General Secretary/Vice President Mia Bean, who stepped down after 13 years of dedicated service to the organization. The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Ms. Bean for her invaluable contributions over more than a decade.
The new Board will serve alongside returning member Syriah Lottimore, whose position was not up for election this term.
The Board would also like to extend its heartfelt gratitude for outgoing President, Freddie Evans who during his tenure, was pivotal in several partnerships which assisted with the development of Bermuda's profile as a destination that could host high level track and field competitions. Dr. Evans was a great advocate for track and field and handed over the reins to a group who are committed to further growth of the organization.
