Raider runners sweep league, first league title in 17 years
By JENNIFER GENTILE
THE 2014 Middlesex Freedom League champion Melrose High boy’s cross country team. (file photo)
MELROSE — The Melrose High School boys’ cross country team is the 2014 Middlesex Freedom League champ after a flawless regular season that culminated in a 19-43 victory over Watertown on Monday. The 7-0 Red Raiders, under the coaching of Kevin Allison, have now earned their first league title since 1997.
Sophomore Kevin Wheelock continued his hot streak as he won the 2.7 miles race in a time of 15:34. Watertown earned second but the swarm of Melrose runners were right behind him. Adam Cook had another great race finishing third in 15:39, followed by captain Duncan Locke who was fourth in 15:53. Robbie Hanlon was fifth in 16:03 and Sean Conlan closed out the win and wrapped up the championship with his 16:09. Melrose’s Abraham Zimmerman and Griffin Barriss both ran very well and rounded out the top seven.
“I’m very proud of these guys” stated coach Kevin Allison. “They have been working on this since June and earned this championship through hard work, determination, mental toughness and teamwork. We have 30 hard working boys on the team and they have all had a positive influence in helping our team reach our goals.”
On Monday, the impressive Raiders will participate in the Middlesex League cross country meet at Woburn Country Club, where some of its top runners will look to medal.
