Springfield Track Star Breaks School Records

Springfield, NJ -- Speedy Gonzalez has nothing on Viviane Orleans.

A Springfield senior, Orleans, made history this past winter as she finished up one of the best seasons at Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield.

Her list of accomplishments goes on forever.

At the Union County Championships on Jan. 30 Orleans finished second in the 55 Meter Hurdles, breaking a 33 year old record (1983). The previous record was held by Elinor Sadin 8.60 seconds, and Viviane ran 8.47.

Two weeks later at the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 Sectional Championships, she won her third career sectional championship in the 55 meter hurdles and led her team to a runner-up finish (Weequahic won the meet with 43 points, Dayton was 2nd with 35). She also lowered her school record to 8.42.

At the Group 1 State Championships the next week on Feb. 19 she won her first career group state championship and also finished fifth in the 400 meter dash.

Orleans is the Seventh Group State Champion in Dayton Girls Indoor Track History, and first since Alexa Williams in 2011.

At the NJSIAA Meet of Champions (all the girls in the state) she finished 3rd overall, lowering her school record in the prelims (8.33) and then again in finals (8.28).

At the Eastern States Championships at the NYC Armory (schools from Virginia to Maine are invited) she finished 8th overall and lowered her school record again (8.27).

With her accomplishments, she was awarded second-team all Union County.

Orleans began running her freshmen year of high school.

“I joined because I did basketball in the winter and the coach said I had really long legs and should do track and I took a try at it.”

Orleans was hooked once she hit the track. She would run in the winter and spring season and on the off-season she will spend her time in the weight room improving herself.

“I was seeing how good I am and wanted to get better,” Orleans said. “I would run a race and wanted to lower my time even more.”

And her hard work paid off. She is planning on continuing to run in college where she will major in business.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Jackie Ritter, Girls Head Coach for Spring Track. “She is a great role model for younger student athletes. Just to see what she has become from freshman year to now. She has worked very hard… and it paid off.”

Orleans has one more season of track before she graduates and she is hoping for a great spring season.

(Photo provided: Viviane Orleans)