Citra’s Leigha Torino closes out accomplished Duke career
CITRA, Fla. (BVM) — Former North Marion standout Leigha Torino has officially ended her collegiate career after helping build the Duke distance running program into what it is today.
The Blue Devils’ runner starred individually throughout her time on the team but she made sure to leave a lasting impression on her way out, helping bring the Duke women’s team its first ACC title at the ACC Outdoor Championships back in May. Torino’s personal record in the 800m preliminaries, with a time of 2:05.41, led her to a sixth-place overall finish while helping the Blue Devils to their Co-Champion share of the ACC title with Florida State.
🚨MOVING ON🚨@_grandtorinooo_ is moving on to the 800m finals after running a new PR with a time of 2:05.41‼️#GoDuke | #ACCOTF pic.twitter.com/Uf0i62MXvm
— Duke Track & Field and Cross Country (@DukeTFXC) May 15, 2021
With the conference title win, Torino finished her collegiate career with a list of achievements as she picked up her second All-ACC second team honor, along with her first U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) all-second team honor for her work in the 800m.
These 4 seniors have been a huge part of building the distance program. Incredibly proud of their development on the track, but more importantly for who they are as people. 800 and 10k in the books at east regionals 🙌🏽 @_grandtorinooo_ pic.twitter.com/DiH9NELcS9
— Rhonda Riley (@RealtorRiley1) May 28, 2021
An accomplished collegiate career was no surprise for the Citra native, who impressed during her time at North Marion. Torino won the Florida Horse Park Invitational, the MCIAC, the District 2A-6 meet, and the Region 2-2A meet in her junior season before capping off her final season with the Colts with a third place finish at the FHSAA cross country finals.
Torino will leave behind the Blue Devils’ running program with quite the final resume as her name currently sits fifth all-time in the Duke record books for the 800m.
