THE MELROSE Red Raider cross country team returns to action on Sept. 21. (file photo)
Great expectations for this squad
MELROSE—The Melrose High boys cross-country team brings a strong, veteran group to the upcoming season and are looking forward to a full season of competition when they open their 2021 campaign on September 21 at Woburn.
Last year Melrose went 3-2 in the shortened season but pulled off an uninterrupted season during COVID-19 restrictions. It’s that kind of resiliency that has been the hallmark of this talented team, coached again by MHS legend Kevin Allison.
The team will be led by a large group of seniors including captains Ryan Cotugno, Will Dugan and Matt Fox, three athletes who have already displayed their talents and drive during prior track and cross-country seasons.
Another top senior will be Stone Liu, who is also the captain of the upcoming indoor track season. Veterans Christian Iannacone, Colin Ormand, and Aidan Iannacone will also hope to shine in their final cross-country season. Seniors Sam Chetkin and Ben Donavan are new to cross-country, but not to running as they both show great promise.
The juniors will also be an important part of the varsity team also, led by Ellis Iurilli-Hough, who showed during track that he is one of the best runners in the Middlesex League. Veterans Sean Mackey, Nick Sasso, Gus Paulson, and Peter Story will also be looking to contribute to this powerful group of upperclassmen. There are only two sophomores on the team, likely because of last year’s COVID-19 situation. They are Harrison Lee and Caleb Miller.
Encouragingly, the freshman turnout is large and likely will make the future of the team quite bright. The enthusiastic group includes Emerson Blanchard, Caleb Barnes, Aidan Manning, Giancarlo MartinisTorres, Billy Oldman, Adam Jancaitis, Grady Kamosa, Kush Karamcheti, and Jonah Tully.
Coach Allison is thrilled with what he has seen in the preseason. “Our top runners are in fantastic shape. I wish we could start the season today. That is how ready they are. We know that we have Wakefield, one of the state’s best team on our schedule, but I think we will be able to compete with anyone, and I think we could be one of the seven teams in our state division to make it to the state finals. I’m also thrilled with the number of freshman. They have great attitudes also. I feel it will be a fun and exciting year.”
The team kicks things off on the road on Sept. 21 in Woburn. They open at home at Greenwood Park on Sept. 28.
2021 Schedule
Tue Sep 21 4:00 PM @ Woburn
Tue Sep 28 4:00 PM v. Burlington
Tue Oct 5 4:00 PM @ Wakefield
Tue Oct 12 4:30 PM @ Watertown
Tue Oct 19 4:00 PM v. Stoneham
Tue Oct 26 4:00 PM v. Wilmington
