Warriors hope to defend M.L. crown, excel at the state level
Published in the December 16, 2015 edition
THE WMHS boys’ indoor track team celebrates after winning the Middlesex League Freedom division championship. The Warriors will be seeking to defend their title and have a strong showing at the state meet level. (Donna Larsson File Photo)
By JIM SOUTHMAYD
WAKEFIELD — What can the Warrior boys’ indoor track team do for an encore?
Wakefield captured the Middlesex League Freedom division championship with a 5-0 record, came in second in the Div. 4 state relays, and sixth in the Div. 4 meet last winter and had one of the finest campaigns in school history in the sport.
As the 2015-16 season opener approaches, Wakefield is out for a repeat performance and would also like to improve each and every time it competes.
The one thing Wakefield won’t have to worry about is numbers as the Warriors had 87 athletes turn out.
“We have 87 athletes on the roster that is almost 20 percent of boys who attend Wakefield High School. This is truly an honor to have that many boys who want to compete in track and field,” said head coach Ruben Reinoso, in his fourth year with the program. “We have some big shoes to fill from last year. Jackson Gallagher, Ian Ritchie, Joe Hurton, Ben Joly, Pat Casaletto and Cam Yasi are not walking through the field house doors. So we are going to have our seniors with the help our underclassmen to lead the way this year.”
The captains this year are Eric Chi, Jared Regan, Alec Rodgers and Tyler Whipple. All four are seniors.
In the high jump the Warriors have senior Matt Smith, junior Carmen Sorrentino, junior TJ Sellers and junior Peter Crump. Newcomers Tommy Galvin and Marc Biennestin have showed promise in practice.
In the shot put Wakefield has returning captain Regan, junior Joe Connell, junior Cole Mottl and senior Nick Nice. Wakefield also has newcomer Evan McMaster, a sophomore, who will also compete for a varsity spot.
In the distance events the Warriors return captains Rodgers and Whipple. Wakefield also returns junior Adam Roberto, senior Rich Custodio, senior Adam D’Ambrosio, senior Alex Guerriero, senior Chris Skeldon, junior Nick McGee, junior Ryan Sullivan, junior Jack Stevens, sophomore Tommy Lucey and junior Jackson Kehoe.
Wakefield also has newcomers Matt Greatorex and Robert Shaw, both sophomores. They will compete in the two mile, mile, 1000 meters or the 600 meter run.
In the hurdles, Wakefield returns junior Zach Conlon and Crump. Newcomers Jordan Fauci, a sophomore, and Galvin are competing for varsity spots.
In the sprints Wakefield returns captain Chi, senior Kevin Russo and senior Joe Boudreau. Also running in the sprints will be Sellers, junior Dan Summers, Sorrentino and Biennestin.
The assistant coaches will be Perry Pappas (distance), Justin Berry (shot put), Anthony LaFratta (sprints) and Elias Reinoso (hurdles).
“We have a lot returning athletes from the championship team from last year but that unfortunately does not carry over to this year,” said Ruben Reinoso. “Our goals are always the same. We want to go compete and improve every practice and every meet. We kick off our season tomorrow night (Wednesday) at Reading against Stoneham and coaches can’t wait to see the athletes compete in the first meet.”
The Warriors meet against the Spartans will begin tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Hawkes Field House in Reading where the first block of Middlesex League dual meets are being held.
