NORTH READING — The North Reading High School cross country team opened up their 2024 Fall season with a home meet against Essex Tech on the new course that starts and finishes on the track at NRHS. The 3.1 mile course consists of two loops that use Dodge, Oakdale, Lee, School Hill, Tower Hill and Hill Streets as well as the lower campus athletic fields at the high school. This change was made to give the team more of a connection with a true home course and to give the program more visibility in the community.
Head Coach Ryan Spinney and assistant coaches Andrew Falanga and Ali Pepe have a great group of 28 student athletes that make up the boys’ and girls’ programs for this fall.
“The athletes worked hard all summer to prepare for the fall season and the last four weeks of preparation have put us in a position to improve each time we compete,” said Spinney.
Kelly leads the way; Hawks best Hornets 24-34
Junior Quinlan Kelly led the Hornets as she finished 1st overall in the 5k race in a time of 21:58. Kelly sets the school and overall course record for the new course at NRHS in the process.
“Quin is an absolute superstar in the making,” said Spinney. “She works incredibly hard to be the best she can be, she leads by example and is supportive of everyone in our program. You can’t ask for a better person and athlete.”
Following Kelly was sophomore Riley MacDonald who claimed 3rd overall in the meet in a time of 23:19.
“Riley has become a very strong runner over the last year-plus. Everyday at practice and in meets, you can see her working towards that next level. She is going to really positively impact our program in the years to come,” said Spinney.
Sophomore Gabrielle Montanye (8th, 26:26), senior co-captain Vanessa Steinmeyer (10th, 26:43), 8th graders Ruby Davidson (15th, 27:46) and Verity Modeen (16th, 27:46) and senior Cybele Miller (21st, 29:47) rounded out the Hornet competitors on the day. Although the Hornets fell to 0-1 on the season, they have a lot to be proud of and plenty to look forward to.
Nalo Benedict is top Hornet, Hawks beat Hornets 23-32
Sophomore Nalo Benedict took the top overall spot for the Hornets as he finished 3rd overall in a time of 19:38 against Essex Tech.
“Nalo has the potential to be a special runner,” said Spinney. “He has the tools and if he keeps working hard at his craft, he will be one to keep an eye on in the future.” Senior co-captain Alex Mitasev was 4th overall in a time of 19:42 for the Hornets. “Alex just keeps humming along and gets better each day. He quietly goes about his business and leads by example. He truly has impressed all of us with his effort and dedication to the sport.”
Sophomore Connor Abruzzese (7th, 21:13), junior Gerard Jorda (8th, 21:17), senior Dawson Duffley (10th, 21:52), 8th grader Dominic Spada (13th, 22:27), senior Aidan Kennedy (15th, 22:33), junior Jacob Ye (17th, 22:38), freshman Charlie Sarno (19th, 22:58), senior Michael Mahoney (26th, 27:26) and senior Aidan Seaman (27th, 28:00), rounded out the Hornets in the race.
The Hornets (0-1 and 0-1) were back in action on Wednesday after press time at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport against the Clippers.
Their third meet will be on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m. at home against Pentucket.
