Rachel Aliotta

June 19, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Aliotta Breaks Record In Final High School Meet

The career of a high school athlete is fleeting. So there is often a desire to make that last match, game, or meet memorable. Cheshire High School senior thrower Rachel Aliotta won't forget the 65th Annual New England Interscholastic Track and Field Championship on June 12.
Within the familiar surroundings of Willowbrook Park in New Britain, she defended her shot put title (45 feet, 0.5 inch) and made history. Aliotta hadn't cracked 45 feet previously. The winning throw broke her CHS outdoor record, ranking second in state history.
“I didn't even know I did it. I thought it was a good throw coming off my hand,” explained Aliotta, who won last year with a throw of 43 feet and 6.5 inches. “I was jumping up and down. It was a barrier broken. It was my goal all season and to accomplish that in my final meet, was the best feeling in my life.”
She qualified for the National Championship, however it would have made her miss graduation yesterday. Aliotta, who didn't lose a Connecticut shot put event since sophomore year, instead turns the page to the next level. She has signed an scholarship to Monmouth University (West Long Branch, New Jersey).
“It's very sad. I realize George (Gihuly) won't be my coach anymore. I've gotten really close to him over the last four years,” added Aliotta. “It's upsetting. I'm very close to these girls, so I'll have to get used to new girls and a new coach. I'm excited about the next step.”