ELI MENDESE took 1st place in three events for Lynnfield in their season-opening victory over Manchester-Essex, getting gold in the long jump, 55 meter hurdles and high jump (pictured). (Shlok Kudrimoti Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
BOSTON — The Lynnfield High boys’ indoor track and field team looks to continue its progress it has made starting last year. After going 0-4 two years ago when they were in the Cape Ann League Kinney Division, the Pioneers finished at 3-1 in the CAL Baker last season. They came in second place to Amesbury in the division.
Six seniors from that roster graduated but the team returned several veterans this year when practice opened back on Dec. 1.
“We have nearly 40 members which is the biggest team we have had in my tenure here,” said Pioneers head coach Christine Smith, who is entering her 9th year at the helm.
Three of those veterans are this year’s senior tri-captains. Charlie Morgan is a sprinter while Brian DiGangi will run the 1,000 meters. The third captain, Mike Murphy, will compete in the long jump, high jump and run in the relays.
In the season opener on Dec. 14, the Pioneers defeated Manchester-Essex 55-43 at the Track at New Balance in Boston.
SHEA McCARTHY won the mile in 4:59 against Manchester-Essex in the season-opener. He also helped the 4×400 relay team take 1st. (Shlok Kudrimoti Photo)
Eli Mendese led the way for the Pioneers as the senior captured first in three events. He had a 19-8 in the long jump, a 6-0 high jump and a time of 9.14 in the 55-meter hurdles.
“I was thrilled with Eli,” stated Smith. “He had a personal-best in the hurdles and was close to a personal-best in the high jump and this is only the first meet.”
Jessie Dorman also had a good day with a pair of wins. The senior had a time of 6.33 in the 55-meters and was first in the 300-meters at 38.33.
Senior Shea McCarthy won the mile at 4:59.05. The 4×400 relay team of Murphy, McCarthy, Dorman and Chase Buonconti also won.
The next meet for the Pioneers will be back at the Track at New Balance in Boston on Jan. 7 as they take on Hamilton-Wenham. That meet will start at 5 p.m.
