Lucey gets MVP; Kehoe earns 2nd Ledoux-Walsh Award
Published in the November 30, 2018 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The Middlesex League’s girls’ cross country coaches met recently to make this year’s All-Star selections in both the Freedom and Liberty divisions.
The Freedom Champion Wakefield Warriors, who went undefeated in league meets, had five All-stars selected: Senior Isabella Kehoe, juniors Retta Carroll and Olivia Lucey and sophomores Audrey Schopperle and Shannon Driscoll.
In addition to her third All-Star award, Olivia Lucey was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Middlesex League’s Freedom Division.
Lucey was also presented with the team’s Top Runner Award by head coach Karen Barrett at the annual postseason banquet. This was the third consecutive year that Lucey won the award. Kelly Ledoux-Walsh was the last Warrior to accomplish that feat.
“It was evident to me that Olivia trained really hard over the summer and came out stronger than I have ever seen her,” said Barrett. “I also noticed that she had developed a strong sense of confidence and mental toughness.”
Lucey ran a personal best to get 16th overall at states, earning her a trip to the All State Meet.
“It was really rewarding to see her excel against some steep competition,” said Barrett. “I couldn’t be happier for all of her success.”
More awards presented at the banquet for the 2018 “Wolf Pack” included:
No guts, no glory: Grace Butler.
Lady Wolverine: Audrey Schopperle.
Unsung Hero: Shannon Driscoll.
Outstanding Captain: Retta Carroll.
Coaches Award: Nicole Lima.
One of the most truly special awards in the track and field program was also presented at the banquet. The Kelly Ledoux-Walsh Award, in memory of one of Wakefield’s best and most well-loved student athletes, was earned this season by senior Isabella Kehoe.
“The recipient of this award embodies many of the same characteristics that Kelly possessed,” said Barrett. “She is an amazing captain and leader. She is a person that I can count on no matter what. She has a tremendous attitude, she is mentally tough and most importantly, she is a fabulous person.”
“As a freshman, Isabella was a quiet, hardworking girl. I watched her grow into an amazing young lady. She is a wonderful captain and leader. I admire her ability to be such a great role model for our underclassmen. Isabella is such a kind and thoughtful person. She is also a phenomenal teammate. She always cheers on every runner at practice and meets and she continuously strives to improve herself and the team. I know Kelly would definitely approve of my choice to give Isabella her award.”
2018 MIDDLESEX LEAGUE
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY ALL-STARS
Freedom Division
Name School Year
Colleen McMakin Burlington Senior
Kate Bidgood Melrose Senior
Katherine Duffy Melrose Junior
Alex Cotugno Melrose Junior
Jane Harrington Melrose Junior
Charlotte Tysall Melrose Freshman
Angela McKenzie Stoneham Senior
Isabella Kehoe Wakefield Senior
Olivia Lucey Wakefield Junior
–
MVP
Retta Carroll Wakefield Junior
Audrey Schopperle Wakefield Sophomore
Shannon Driscoll Wakefield Sophomore
Lakshmi Thangaraj Watertown Junior
Gianna Misuraca Wilmington Junior
Liberty Division
Audrey Christo Belmont Senior
Isabel Burger Belmont Sophomore
Kesinia Sortor Lexington Senior
Danna Ofek Lexington Junior – MVP
Pauline Steines Lexington Junior
Lina Jafaar Lexington Sophomore
Bridget Hackett Reading Junior
Chloe Pienaar Winchester Senior
Ella Aldrich Winchester Junior
Michaela Eichel Winchester Sophomore
Kaci Madden Woburn Senior
Maura Doherty Woburn Junior
Kacy Cole Woburn Sophomore
Samantha Nicolas Woburn Sophomore