Anne Morrison now two-time ML Champ in long jump
Published in the February 10, 2017 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ indoor track team crowned a repeat league champ on Monday at the Reggie Lewis Center. Melrose senior captain Anne Morrison retained her title as league champion in the long jump by sweeping the field at the 2017 Middlesex League Championship. Her reach of 16-10.75 beat all competitors and earned her repeat league bragging rights.
According to Melrose coach Shannon Kane, Morrison brought a calm demeanor to the track. “After her last jump, she walked away and kind of shook her head, so I was nervous to hear the outcome, and she walked over nonchalantly and just goes, ‘I won.’ She was excited but to be so good and humble is nice to see.”
The coach’s pride extends to the entire competing squad. “Almost every girl ran their personal best.”
Melrose’s Mykayla Olwert cracked the top 10 in the 2 mile with a time of 12:52.66. Teammate Katie Duffy came in at 13:30.32. The 4×200 relay team placed 8th behind the efforts of Gabby McDonnell, Anne Morrison, Lauren Pedrini and Liz Perella. Meanwhile their 4×400 relay of Grace Mercer, Jenna Thorpe, Kiera Sixsmith and Kate Bidgood placed 7th. “It was their best time of the season. It was an amazing race to watch.”
Mercer had a solid showing in the high jump with a 6th place jump of 4’8, while Erin Reardon looked good in the long jump placing 9th. Bridget McDonnell ran a solid 5:52 in the one mile for a 12th place finish. Among others who competed were Anna Matthew, Molly Clark, Gabby McDonell and Erin Reardon in the 55 dash, Lauren Pedrini and Nora Daley in the 300, Jenna Thorpe in the 600, Kate Gidgood and Alex Cotugno in the 1000, Emily Healey in the 1 mile, and Emma Bates and Mia Catalini in the 55 hurdles.
Melrose’s shot put team was represented by Emily Otaluka, Molly Clark and Jade Uzzle, who had her best throw of the day.
“I can’t wait to see where these underclassmen bring to the table next year,” says their coach.
