Published in the December 16, 2016 edition

SENIOR RUNNERS for the MHS Cross Country team wrap up a remarkable high school career. Pictured, back row: Matt Watson, Ryan Bradford, Griffin Barriss, Ezra Stobbe, Erik Heislein, Zack Zysk. Front row: Adam Cook, Sean Conlan, and Kevin Wheelock. (Donna Larsson photo)

SENIOR RUNNERS for the MHS Cross Country team wrap up a remarkable high school career. Pictured, back row: Matt Watson, Ryan Bradford, Griffin Barriss, Ezra Stobbe, Erik Heislein, Zack Zysk. Front row: Adam Cook, Sean Conlan, and Kevin Wheelock. (Donna Larsson photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — For several years, Melrose High has enjoyed the extraordinary success of the varsity boys’ cross country team, who this year boasted one of the most talented senior classes in recent memory with a roster of Matt Watson, Ryan Bradford, Griffin Barriss, Ezra Stobbe, Erik Heislein, Zack Zysk, Adam Cook, Sean Conlan, and Kevin Wheelock.

They were led on the trails by their quad captains: Griffin Barriss, Adam Cook, Sean Conlan and Kevin Wheelock, who competed for the last time under MHS coach Kevin Allison in November. The four have helped raise the bar in the program during their reign. Now, they’ve had a chance to reflect on the journey.

Cook had a phenomenal senior year during which he became a state silver medalist, while Wheelock already earned a state champion title in track his junior year. In terms of senior talent in 2016, it was almost an embarrassment of riches. This fall Melrose continued another near-flawless season, save for a loss to rival Wakefield, who went on to become state champion. The two teams were widely known as the division’s finest all season and have long considered each other their stiffest competition.

Melrose’s senior captains are a tight quartet who compete not just in cross country but indoor and outdoor track together. Certainly, the bonded group will some day reminisce about the year they went undefeated and became state silver medalists.

Adam Cook made a giant leap forward in 2016 to became state silver medalist this fall. Just last weekend he placed second at the Assault on Mt. Hood. According to the senior, off season training made all the difference. “The key is the base mileage and speed work I put in during the summer. This season I focused on peaking at the right time. But my goal at practices and meets was to enjoy every moment.”

Sean Conlan’s personal favorite moment for MHS cross country was junior year. “We finished runner up at the All State Meet,” he confirms.

Griffin Barriss recalls that performance. “We all ran good races and figured we’d placed somewhere in the top 10. One of my teammates came over and told me we placed second. I couldn’t believe him. We were all jumping around and screaming as a team cause we were so shocked and excited. It was definitely the best moment of my whole XC career, all of our hard work payed off that day.”

This year was another battle to the finish with Wakefield, who narrowly edged Melrose for the league and became state champions. According to Conlan, they’re worthy opponents. “I would definitely say that it’s a friendly rivalry as we’re friends with a bunch of guys on that team but we’re always striving to beat them,” says Conlan, who plans to attend and compete at Stonehill College in cross country and track.

Barriss agrees. “The boys on the Wakefield team are our biggest rivals but also some of the nicest people we’ve ever run against. Everyone’s able to push themselves to the absolute limit against the fiercest of competition but as soon as you cross that finish line everyone’s high-fiving, hugging and telling each other ‘good race,’ even if they’re complete strangers.”

Kevin Wheelock has been one of the most outstanding modern day runners for Melrose. An untimely injury set him back in the fall of 2016, during a time in which he was on pace to win an individual state title (rest assured, he has one in track). He earned statewide attention in cross country in 2015 when he became an All-State bronze medalist.

Wheelock began competing in cross country his sophomore year and soon realized how much he enjoyed long distance running. “The atmosphere and camaraderie of the cross country team fit my personality,” he says.

Wheelock has a slew of moments to treasure with plenty of medals earned, but one stands out in particular. “The Twilight meet my sophomore year,” he says. “It was my first race that I realized I could compete at a high level. I won the sophomore race making a huge comeback in the last mile and I won by less than a second out-sprinting my opponent. I will never forget that.”

Conlan is thankful to longtime coach Kevin Allison for helping guide their running careers. “One of the main and most helpful things I have learned from coach Allison is to stay relaxed before a race.”

According to Cook, not every special memory was a winning one. “My first All-State meet was freshmen year at Gardner. The team was very excited and so many seniors and juniors showed up as spectators. In addition the team mascot was there and I had a great time with some amazing people. The team came in second to last and I didn’t do incredible either.”

Cook hopes to continue running in college and plans to major in environmental science or geology. He offers advice to young athletes who want to pursue the sport. “Find a way to enjoy running, whether it is by yourself or with others. It always helps to plan a day of the week to run with friends. Start small and work up to longer and faster distances.”

Barriss has a bright future ahead, with schools such as Duke, Elon and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill on the top of his list and the possibility of competitive track in lower division schools. He spoke about what sets cross country apart from other sports. “I’d have to say the sense of camaraderie among all competitors in the sport, not just within the team. Unlike soccer or football nobody “hates” the other team. Cross country runners are probably the kindest athletes you’ll ever meet and that sense of community is something you just can’t find anywhere else.”

Coach Kevin Allison lauded his seniors for their incredible run. “The quartet of Griffin Barriss, Adam Cook, Sean Conlan, and Kevin Wheelock have been especially amazing. All four have been a captain and have taken their personal and team performances to a historic level. They have put a stamp on this program, set a standard that will be tough for any future teams to even approach. They have four years of great accomplishments to be proud of.”