EXETER — Four Exeter High School athletes made history on June 18, capturing the New Balance Outdoor National Championship in the girls’ 4×800-meter relay at the University of Pennsylvania.
Alexis Paterna, Brianna Paterna, Izzie Bremer and Madie Poteet claimed the national title with a time of 8:49.48, defeating 76 other teams from across the country and securing the first relay-specific national championship in Exeter High School history.
The victory capped off a remarkable season for the four girls who cemented themselves as one of the nation’s premier high school teams, rewriting both the New Hampshire and New England record books.
The road to the title had already been historic in the early season with Exeter winning the New Hampshire Meet of Champions by 47 seconds, breaking its own New Hampshire state record. The following weekend, the Blue Hawks traveled to the New England Championships and secured another victory while beating the New England record by eight seconds.
The first performances earned Exeter one of the top three seeds entering the national championship and set the stage for a memorable night in Philadelphia.
Poteet opened the race for Exeter, giving the team a strong start, handing off after a 2:14:92 opening leg.
Brianna Paterna followed with one of the best 800-meter performances of her career. Her time of 2:11:44 moved Exeter into second place, turning the race into a battle with Shenendehowa of New York.
Bremer delivered a tactical third leg, handing off with a two-second lead, after running a 2:14:20 split.
With the national title in sight, Alexis Paterna took control of the final 800 meters, producing a 2:08:93 split. As she crossed the finish line, she was immediately surrounded by cameras, media members, coaches, and spectators. But the most important people waiting for her were Poteet, Brianna Paterna, and Bremer.
The teammates celebrated together, having accomplished something they and Exeter High School had never done before.
The team’s 8:49:48 time became the fastest 4×800-meter relay ever run by a New England high school and ranks among the top 10 performances ever recorded nationally.
The title adds another chapter to Exeter’s history of success on the national stage. In 2017, Exeter’s Jackie Gaughan won an individual national championship in the 5,000 meters.
The 2026 season was defined by more than one championship; the runners broke records in New Hampshire and New England before traveling to Philadelphia and defeating some of the best 4×800 teams in the country. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.
“This championship is an incredible accomplishment for Alexis, Brianna, Izzie and Madie, and a moment the entire Exeter community can celebrate,” said Superintendent Christopher Andriski. “Their dedication, teamwork and ability to perform at the highest level are a tremendous reflection of both themselves and the entirety of Exeter athletics.”
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.