Warriors run best ever time in school history at New Balance Indoor Nationals
THE 4X800 relay team set a new school record with a time of 7:59.61 and placed 21st in the championship division at the New Balance Indoor Nationals Meet. From left to right are Adam Roberto, Ryan Sullivan, Nick McGee, and Matt Greatorex.
Published in the March 13, 2017 edition.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Warrior boys’ indoor track team’s 4×800 meter relay squad went down to the Armory Track in New York City this weekend with a mission. That mission was to break the eight minute barrier.
On Saturday evening in the last event of the day the team of Matt Greatorex, Ryan Sullivan, Nick McGee, and Adam Roberto did just that. They ran a Wakefield all-time best time of 7:59.61 as all four boys each ran a half mile distance. They placed 21st overall in the New Balance Indoor National Championship Meet.
Greatorex, a junior, once again ran in the lead off position and was able to hand off the baton beside the lead runner in the race while running a time of 1:58.56. Sullivan, a senior, ran another consistently strong race with a time of 2:01.68. Sullivan handed off the baton to McGee, a senior, who ran a season best time of 2:01.88 before handing off to Roberto. Roberto, a senior, ran his lifetime best 800 meters with a time of 1:57.48 for the team to dip under the eight minute mark and helping the Warriors finish fifth in their section out of three championship sections.
It was the first time Wakefield’s had a boys’ relay team in the championship division at Nationals.
Wakefield is one of just four Massachusetts teams to break eight minutes this season. The other teams include All American team Marshfield, St. John’s High School of Shrewsbury, and Lowell High School.
In running their time they have qualified for Outdoor Nationals which will be held in North Carolina this June.
Tanner Jellison was also a qualifier of the Freshman 400 Meter race. Jellison ran a very good freshman time of 55.89 seconds and placed 42nd. Jellison should be excited about the performance especially since his focus is on the longer distances. The freshman can use that speed as he gets stronger over the next few years.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this group of boys. They put everything out there and handled the expectations really well. Their progress this season was incredible,” said Assistant Coach Perry Pappas. “They deserve a little time off before getting back to business this spring. They have set some high goals for themselves and I’m really looking forward to seeing them reach those goals once again. It’s such a competitive sport but there is no limit to how far the these kids can go if they are motivated and remain focused.
“Track and Field is unique because not a lot of other sports provide the opportunity for the athletes to compete at a national level. It was exciting to see the boys compete in the same setting as an Olympian as well as many national record holders. It’s a special event that the boys will always remember.”
