THE MELROSE boy’s cross country team is off to a flying 3-0 start. (Erin Drogan photo)
Published September 27, 2024
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It’s been a winning start to the season for the Melrose High boys’ varsity cross country, who improved to 3-0 following a 15-50 win over Stoneham on Tuesday on the road at The Fells Reservoir.
Melrose senior standout Caleb Barnes won the race in 15:54, keeping him unbeaten so far this season. And Melrose had several other notable performances that helped them sweep Stoneham at the top.
Adam Caldwell was 2nd in 17:33, Henry McCormack 3rd in 17:34, John Strong, Ben Dugan, and Jonah Tully 4-6, all under 18 minutes.
The win follows Melrose’s victory over Watertown on Sept 17 on their new home course at Pine Banks. It was a clean sweep all the way past the top 10 spots with Caleb Barnes finishing first again with a time of 16:51, followed by Adam Caldwell, Henry McCormack, John Strong, William Oldham, Ben Dugan, Jad Jamaleddine, Jonah Tully, Elliot Barber, Andre Bancu.
“We’re in great shape for the rest of our dual meets,” says coach Alex DeRosa. Melrose will travel to Wilmington on Tuesday and Burlington on October 8. They have the possibility of sweeping the ML Freedom League, and clinching a league title. But first things first, they must focus on another invitational this weekend.
They will travel to the Ocean State Invitational in Warwick Rhode Island this weekend. There, expect some of Melrose’s top runners to vie for medals. The team is also heading the annual Twilight Invitational on October 13th.
But until then, Melrose will face Wilmington on the road on Tuesday Oct. 1at 4:00 p.m.
