Warriors have five entries compete in All-State Meet
Published in the February 27, 2017 edition.
BOSTON — The Wakefield Memorial High boys’ indoor track team had one entry place and set a new WMHS record as well in the All-State Meet which was held yesterday at the Reggie Lewis Track Center.
The 4×800 meter relay team secured a fifth place finish in a school record time of 8:05.21. The four runners included junior Matt Greatorex, senior Ryan Sullivan, senior Nick McGee, and senior Adam Roberto were the four runners.
The record is seven seconds faster than the previous record from 2015 held by Jackson Gallagher, Alec Rodgers, Roberto, and Ian Ritchie. The 4×800 is a tough relay to run well in because all four legs have to be at their best on the same day. The boys won the slow heat with the time fast enough to beat many of the teams in the faster heat.
The fifth place overall qualifies them for New Englands to be held next Saturday at the Lewis Center. The time qualifies them for the Emerging Elites division of the New Balance Nationals meet held in New York City in two weeks.
Assistant Boys’ Indoor Track Coach Perry Pappas, who coaches the distance runners, said, “I’m proud of the boys for fighting for each other today and that led to them doing something special. They each ran their best leg all season allowing them to take 13 seconds off their previous best.”
Both Greatorex and Roberto also ran individual events as well.
Greatorex ran the mile and came in ninth place at 4:24.97. Greatorex ran from the front for most of his heat and finished with the strong time. He ran under the former school record for the second time this season as he was just shy of his best. He finished with a solid ninth place finish just one position from making the podium.
Roberto, a captain, ended his indoor track career with a 13th place finish in the 1000 meter run. Roberto clocked in at 2:35.38, a personal best time. His time was less than a second off the school record of 2:34.56. Roberto has run well all season and did so once again on the biggest stage in the state.
Wakefield also had an entry in the 4×200 relay. The team of senior Dan Sallade, senior Dan Summers, senior TJ Sellers, and sophomore Brian Smith posted a time of 1:34.90 which was good for 16th place overall.
The Warriors had one athlete compete in the shot put. Pat Redmond, a junior, finished in 20th place with a distance of 43-8.
“I’m really proud of our team, this is the most kids we have had qualify for all states, New Englands and Indoor Nationals. Nationals will be in two weeks at the armory in New York,” said Head Coach Ruben Reinoso.
The New England Championship Meet will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 9 a.m. at the Lewis Center.