Published in the April 4, 2018 edition
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
LYNNFIELD — Behind a trio of experienced captains, the LHS boys’ spring track and field team is ready to improve on last year’s 2-6 record.
The Pioneers, much like most spring teams throughout the area, have been affected by the poor weather and only just had their first outdoor practice on Monday.
Despite the practice limitations, which also affects how head coach Bill Wallace can see how his returning athletes have improved over the year, the Pioneers have enough talent and senior leadership to compete with anybody this season.
“The senior class is doing a great job and leading the newcomers and setting the tone for the rest of the team,” said Wallace. “If everyone stays healthy and works hard we should have a very competitive year.”
NICK KINNON is looking to keep the momentum of an excellent indoor season. The returning spring track MVP for the LHS boys is one of three captains for the 2018 campaign. (Villager File Photo)
The three captains this season are Nathan Drislane, Ryan Iapicca and Nick Kinnon.
Drislane is back to lead the throwing events for his senior season. He has been working hard to improve in both the shot put and discus, where the Pioneers will rely on him for a lot of production.
“He is expected to score some major points for us in both the shot put and the discus,” said Wallace.
Iapicca, who Wallace calls “a good leader and hard worker,” will need to work himself back into condition after missing Lynnfield’s indoor season with an injury, but he is still expected to lead the distance runners.
Kinnon is the returning team MVP who is expected to score a lot of points in multiple events including sprints, long jump and high jump. Kinnon is widely considered one of the best boys’ track competitors in recent memory at LHS.
“He wants to finish his high school track career on a solid note,” said Wallace.
The number one competitor in the triple jump will be Brett Cohee, who is also one of Lynnfield’s fastest runners. According to coach Wallace, the triple jump is one of the toughest, most technical events, but he has been impressed with Cohee’s work ethic towards improving in that event.
“I am looking for him to step it up this season,” said Wallace.
Ben Kramich is ready to break out as one of the better pole vaulters in the area. The Pioneers will need him to provide plenty of scoring this year.
“He has ben working hard over the winter to improve on his performance last year,” said Wallace. “I would not be surprised if he was one of the better vaulters in the league.”
Jack Campbell and Alehandro Lynch both had great indoor season for Lynnfield and should help the spring team in the 800 and 400 meters.
Coach Wallace is also expecting the returning athletes from last year to step up and add depth.
That list includes seniors Kevin Travers (hurdles, pole vault), Matt Ricciardi (distance) and Anthony Wilkinson (shot put and discus).
Returning juniors include: Chris Flannery (javelin), Ca Comeau (javelin), Stephen Dwyer (high jump, distance), Max Sieger (triple jump, sprints), Jack Cleary (jumps, sprints) and Mike Axiotakis (pole vault).
Returning sophomores include: John Lee (sprints, long jump) and Tommy Hauser (sprints, long jump).
The Pioneers will also count on a handful of newcomers who coach Wallace says have looked good so far and should help them score some points. That group includes sophomores Khad Connell (jumps, sprints), Justin Ndansi (sprints, shot put) and Anthony Hunt (sprints) and freshmen Lars Ruecker (sprints, high jump) and John Astrofsky (distance).
“Hopefully the weather will improve and we will get a bunch of practices in at the track before our first meet,” said Wallace. While Lynnfield won’t have any home meets again this year, the track behind Lynnfield Middle is ready for practice.
The Pioneers open the season on Wednesday, April 11 against Pentucket and Hamilton-Wenham at Pentucket Regional High School.
