Published December 9, 2020

By DAN TOMASELO

LYNNFIELD — The Cape Ann League recently named five members of the cross-country teams as all-stars for the 2020 season.

The girls’ team finished the 2020 CAL season with a 2-2 record. The boys’ team concluded the season with a 1-3 record.

Two members of the girls’ team were named CAL All-Stars, including freshman Katie Cash.

“Katie worked hard over the summer and came into the season in great shape,” said cross-country head coach Joe DiBiase. “Her season best for the girls’ team on the home course was three-miles, which she finished in 21:36. She has a bright career ahead of her.

Sophomore Bianca Guarracino was also named as a CAL All-Star.

“Bianca is an all-around great athlete,” said DiBiase. “She is a very hard worker who has a bright future.”

DiBiase also won the Cape Ann League’s Girls’ Cross-Country Coach of the Year Award. The 2020 season was DiBiase’s last year coaching the Pioneers.

“I’m very flattered to be honored as coach of the year,” said DiBiase. “I think the coaches in the CAL recognized that our girls’ team is really an up-and-coming group of runners, with loads of potential in the years to come. I think they also wanted to also honor my years of service to Lynnfield cross-country, which is truly appreciated.”

Similar to the girls’ team, two members of the boys’ team were named as CAL All-Stars, including senior captain Mike Madden.

“Mike was the top finisher in three out of our four races,” said DiBiase. “He improved his home course time by 28 seconds. Mike trained hard over the summer and has the potential to run in college.”

Sophomore John McKrell was also named as a CAL All-Star.

“John worked hard over the summer and worked his way up to be our number two runner,” said DiBiase. “He has a bright future.”

The Pioneers also selected captains for the 2021 season recently. McKrell and juniors Andrew Shone, Allen Saini and Lucas Williams will be leading the boys’ team next fall. The girls’ team’s captains for next year are juniors Maggie Davidson, Julia Seelig and Kaleigh Weeks.