ETHAN MEZIKOFSKY took 1st place for the Warriors in their victory over Wilmington on Tuesday, finishing with a personal-best time of 16:07. (Courtesy Photo)
WILMINGTON — The Wakefield High boys’ cross country team traveled to Wilmington on Tuesday and decisively defeated the Wildcats with a score of 15-50. With this victory, Wakefield improved its record to 4-0 in Freedom Division competition, solidifying its position as a top contender in the league.
Running under ideal conditions with a temperature hovering around 65 degrees, the Warriors captured the first seven spots in the race.
Senior Ethan Mezikofsky led the charge, finishing first with an impressive personal best time of 16:07. He was followed closely by teammates Brandon Nett (16:17) and Andrew Nett (16:31), both also seniors, showcasing a strong upperclassmen presence. George Palmer, also a senior, placed 4th in a personal best time of 16:46.
Junior Devin DeBeradinis placed 5th in 16:48, a personal best. Junior Max Viselli ran a personal best of 16:52. Senior Jacob Ciriello solidified the perfect score for the Warriors by edging the top Wilmington runner at the line to snag 7th in a personal best of 17:09.
Senior Marcello Caruso ran a personal best of 17:23 to place 9th. Sophomore Alec Buonopane-Cohen placed 10th in a personal best of 17:37. Senior Tyler Galante placed 12th in a time of 17:41. Junior Aidan Burd ran a personal best of 17:45 to place 13th. Sophomore Evan Buonopane-Cohen ran a big personal best of 18:07 to place 17th. Junior Ryan Paige ran a personal best of 18:10 placing 18th. Sophomore Sean Marra placed 20th in a personal best of 19:01.
As the season progresses, Wakefield is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Melrose in two weeks. With a perfect record in the division, the Warriors are determined to maintain their winning streak and head into the championship phase of the season with confidence.
“Our focus now shifts to Melrose,” said head coach Perry Pappas. “We’ll keep pushing ourselves in practice and prepare to finish the regular season strong while we also get ready for the postseason.”
Wakefield will meet Melrose at Pine Banks Park on Oct. 22 at 4:15 p.m.
The Warriors head to Cape Cod this weekend to compete in the Twilight Invitational, which will include dozens of teams and hundreds of runners.
