Warriors top Stoneham in hard fought 72-64 meet
ALLEE PURCELL, a sophomore, won the high jump as she cleared 4-8. Purcell also captured firsts in the 400 meters (62.6 seconds) and 200 meters (29.4 seconds). (Donna Larsson Photo)
Published in the April 12, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — After waiting nearly a week to start the 2016 season, the Wakefield Memorial High girls’ track team begin its spring campaign with a well-earned 72-64 victory over Stoneham yesterday afternoon at the Beasley Track and Field facility.
Not only was it the season opener, it was also the first meet in the Middlesex League Freedom division for both teams.
While the score was close, Wakefield had a 72-54 advantage after the two mile. The Spartans won both relays which made the final score a little closer.
Abby Harrington, a junior, started it off with a state qualifying first place in the 400 hurdles. She ran a great race clocking in at 70.9 seconds. Harrington also took second in the 400 meter run and second in the long jump with a time of 64.8 seconds and distance of 14-10 1/2.
Coach Karen Barrett felt Harrington had a great effort.
Amanda Westlake and Jordan Stackhouse, a freshman and a junior, took second and third in the mile as they posted times of 6:04.3 and 6:10.0.
Allee Purcell, a sophomore, had a fantastic day taking three first places. She won the high jump with a height of 4-8. She ran a time of 62.6 seconds for a first place in the 400 meters just missing states. The sophomore also won the 200 meter dash with a time of 29.4 seconds.
“Her hard work certainly paid off. I am really happy for her,” said Barrett.
Sam Ross, a senior captain, had a great day winning the triple jump and 100 meter run. She also got a second in the 200 meters. Ross leaped 32-11 in the triple and timed in at 14.3 seconds in the 100. In the 200, she clocked in at 29.9 seconds.
Ana Lucas, a sophomore, was second in the 100 meters at 14.3 seconds.
Freshman Eadeen Beck won the shot put with a state qualifying throw of 31-8 1/2.
“That is very impressive for a freshman to make states on her first meet of the season,” said Barrett.
Julia Derendal, a senior captain, also had a great day throwing. She took first place in the javelin and discus. Her javelin throw of 99-8 qualified her for states. She just missed qualifying for states in the discus with a personal best throw of 88-8.
Alex Rollins, a junior, was second in the javelin. She had a fantastic state qualifying throw of 98-0. That was a personal best for the junior. She also contributed to point scoring getting a third in the discus with distance of 70-10.
Junior Cassie Lucci ran a solid 800 meter race placing second with a time of 2:34.0.
Wakefield’s points were scored by the two milers Gillian Russell and Isabella Kehoe, a sophomore and a freshman, as they placed second and third. They clocked in at 13:45.9 and 13:48.0.
“There were a lot of good performances today. I am happy with the win,” said Barrett. “I feel there is room for improvement and we will start on that tomorrow. We will work hard to get ready for Wilmington on Thursday.”
The Warriors next dual meet is Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. against the Wildcats at Wilmington High School.
