Printer Friendly Version - Kropiwnicki Places 2nd in State Decathlon on Graduation Day

Aidan Kropiwnicki had quite a day on June 12. Kropiwnicki capped off a runner-up performance at the CIAC Decathlon and then graduated from Branford all within the span of a few hours. Pictured are Branford girls’ track Head Coach Kevin Connell, Kropiwnicki, and Branford boys’ outdoor track Head Coach Rich Biondi. Photo courtesy of Delia Kropiwnicki

Senior Aidan Kropiwnicki capped off his decorated career as a Hornets’ athlete when he finished in second place at the CIAC Decathlon while representing the Branford boys’ outdoor track team. Kropiwnicki scored 5,544 points to earn runner-up honors at the decathlon, which was held at Manchester High School on June 11-12. After competing at the meet, Kropiwnicki headed home and then graduated from Branford High School during a ceremony held on the evening of June 12.

Kropiwnicki posted a trio of third-place finishes on his way to placing second at the CIAC Decathlon. In the 400-meter dash, Kropiwnicki ran a time of 52.54 seconds to finish in third place. Kropiwnicki also finished third in the pole vault by clearing a height of 11-11.75 inches. In the javelin, Kropiwnicki launched a throw of 152 feet to take third place.

Kropiwnicki came in fifth place for the shot put with a throw of 39 feet-6.5 inches at the meet. In the 1,500-meter run, he recorded a time of 4:45.85 and finished in seventh place. Kropiwnicki also took 15th place in the discus (84-11) and finished 17th in the 110 hurdles (17.31). Additionally, Kropiwnicki finished 21st in the 100 (11.71), 30th for the high jump (5-2.25), and 53rd in the long jump (16-8.5) on his way to finishing second overall.

Earlier in the postseason, Kropiwnicki took first place in the 300 intermediate hurdles with a time of 41.28 seconds at the SCC West Sectional Championship. He also claimed second place in both the pole vault and the javelin at that meet. Kropiwnicki went on to finish third in the pole vault at the Class MM Championship and the State Open Championship, clearing a height of 12 feet-6 inches at both meets.

Branford was represented by two other athletes at the CIAC Decathlon. Senior Brandon Perez finished in 37th place overall by posting a total of 2,463 points. Perez turned in his best showing by placing 15th in the shot put with a toss of 35 feet-1.25 inches. He finished 20th in the high jump by clearing 5 feet-4.25 inches. Perez also finished 44th in the 400 (58.59), 51st for the 100 (12.30), and 57th in the long jump (16-7).

Sophomore Ryan Hanniford finished in 61st place at the decathlon by scoring 1,592 points. Hanniford’s top performance came in the shot put, where he took 19th place with a throw of 34 feet-4.25 inches. Hanniford also finished 58th in the long jump (16-6), 65th in the 400 (1:04.97), and 71st in the 100 (13.23).