Published in the October 11, 2019 edition.

WAKEFIELD — Kelly Ledoux-Walsh was a big part of the cross-country program when she was at Wakefield High School. Now she will continue to be a big part of the program as Kelly’s Trail was unveiled in her memory on Monday to kick off the home opener. Facing Burlington, the athletes had a chance to compete on Kelly’s Trail for the first time, and will continue to do so long into the future.

Despite a strong effort from the Red Devils, the Warriors came away with a 23-34 victory.

Matt Roberto took an early lead, but Burlington’s James Johnson did not fall far behind as he pushed Roberto the whole distance. Johnson was never able to reel Roberto in, finishing 2nd to the Warrior star. Roberto finished in a time of 15:11. Johnson ran 15:17.

Tanner Jellison was the only other athlete to remain within contact of the two leaders finishing 3rd in 15:31.

Behind the threesome, a pack of Burlington Red Devils pushed the pace over the Warriors. By the midway point, Mike Roberto (16:04) and Jonathan D’Ambrosio (16:06) placed 5th and 6th. Colin Rudy (16:23) placed 8th and Jimmy Crump (16:23)was 9th, as they both finished ahead of Burlington’s number four to secure the victory.

Thomas Dowd (16:58) placed 12th, Zack Jellison (17:11) was 16th, Ajay Haridasse (17:45) was 19th, and Aaron Canestaro (17:54) was 20th.

Junior
Varsity

In the junior varsity race, the Red Devils took an early lead, however the Warriors ate into that lead shortly after the first half mile. Ian Schermerhorn waited patiently, and took over at the halfway point, never looking back to finish first in a time of 17:22. Alex Skeldon ran a strong 2nd in a time of 17:41, while Steven Robinson was 3rd in 17:46 to complete the sweep securing the automatic victory. James Christie ran well in 5th with a time of 17:56 and Andrew Russell was a stride behind in 17:57 to take 6th. Freshman Leith Jones and Joey Colliton rounded out the top seven placing 8th and 9th in times of 18:07 and 18:10, finishing ahead of Burlington’s 3rd, 4th and 5th runners to push the final score to 17-44.

“The Kelly Trail is so important to us. We know that Kelly would be so honored – she deserves this,” said boys’ head coach Perry Pappas. “We are so proud of the work that was put into getting the trail approved and completed. Special thanks goes to Chris Barrett and Keith’s Tree Service for making it happen.”

Next up is Watertown on Tuesday at home.