Published in the September 14, 2016 edition
THE CROSS COUNTRY teams will be led by, from left, senior captain Mike Federico, junior captain Ryan Iapicca, junior captain Eliza Brooks, senior captain Christina Irrera, senior captain Ellen Welter and head coach Joe DiBiase. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The cross country teams have returned to the trail and are looking to take a step forward this season.
The boys’ team concluded last season with a 0-10 record while the girls’ team went 1-9. Pioneers head coach Joe DiBiase is optimistic both teams will be able to surpass their respective win totals from last year.
“I am hoping to improve on last year’s records,” said DiBiase. “The Cape Ann League is very, very tough. It’s the best cross country league in the state. The kids trained harder this season than in previous years. The practices have gone well. It’s the largest team we have had in awhile.”
Boys’ team
Two captains lead the boys’ team this season, including junior Ryan Iapicca.
“Ryan is coming off a very solid sophomore season in cross country and a wonderful spring track season,” said DiBiase. “He’s a dedicated runner. The kids look up to him. He’s a very good leader in workouts.”
DiBiase has high hopes for senior captain Mike Federico.
“Mike is a four-year runner who trained hard over the summer to build up his endurance and lower his times,” said DiBiase. “He’s a top notch athlete and student, who is in honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes. His brother Nick ran four years ago for Lynnfield.”
DiBiase anticipates juniors Zach Shone, David Henriques and Dan Jamison will have strong seasons this fall.
“All three ran pretty well last season,” said DiBiase. “I am looking for them to fill in our top seven runners. They both work hard and have potential to get even better.”
DiBiase said freshman Sam Pifka is a promising new addition this season.
“Sam has loads of talent and potential,” said DiBiase. “He does triathlons in his spare time. He moved up to the top pack of runners early in the preseason.”
DiBiase said sophomores Joe Fabrizio and Stephen Dwyer “complete the top pack of runners” on the boys’ team.
Girls’ team
Three captains will be leading the girls’ team this season, including senior Ellen Welter.
“Ellen is a four-year runner and an honors student,” said DiBiase. “She is a great leader in and outside of the classroom. She is a quiet leader who commands respect of the team.”
Senior captain Christina Irrera is looking to have a strong season this fall after overcoming injuries the past two years.
“Christina was a breakout runner as a freshman and fought through some injuries the past two years,” said DiBiase. “She trained really well this summer and is starting the season off 100 percent healthy.”
Junior Eliza Brooks is the girls’ team’s third captain this season.
“Eliza was a varsity runner her first two years here,” said DiBiase. “She is a talented athlete and high spirited. She is a good influence on promoting the sport in an energetic way to get new runners out for the team and involved. I am looking for her to make a great leap forward this year.”
DiBiase said juniors Rachel Badger, Julia Boriello and Kylie Patton “all ran well over the summer and came into the season in good shape.”
“They are all good teammates and hard workers,” said DiBiase.
DiBiase said sophomore Annie Olsen “looks to be in tremendous shape and will be battling for the top spot with the three captains.” Brie Giamarco transferred to the locals from the girls’ soccer team and DiBiase said she is “off to a great start.”
First meet
The cross country teams competed against Ipswich and Newburyport in a tri-meet Sept. 7.
The girls’ team (1-1) defeated Ipswich 26-29, but fell 45-15 to Newburyport.
Olsen was the first Pioneer to cross the finish line and finished seventh overall (22:01). Brooks finished 10th overall (22:50). Freshman Cassidy Shone finished 14th in her first cross country meet (23:27). Welter finished 20th overall (24:26).
The boys’ team lost both meets. The Pioneers fell 48-15 to Newburyport and 39-18 to Ipswich.
Iapicca finished ninth during the meet (17:44).
“It was a great first race for him,” said DiBiase.
Shone finished 16th overall (18:54). Federico was 19th (19:33). Jamison was 24th (19:48).
