Seniors ready to lead cross-country teams

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The cross-country teams will be returning to the trail next week and will be looking to take the next step forward this season.

Pioneers head coach Bill Wallace will be leading the cross-country teams for the second straight year this fall. Wallace succeeded former cross-country head coach Joe DiBiase, who stepped down after the 2020 season after leading the Pioneers for 27 years. Wallace served as an assistant coach for 20 years under DiBiase, who is now an assistant coach with the Pioneers along with Dylan Rizzo.

Girls’ team

The girls’ cross-country team concluded the 2021 Cape Ann League season with a 2-3 record. The Pioneers finished second during the Division 3A state meet.

“The girls’ team had one of the most successful seasons for any Lynnfield girls’ cross-country team,” said Wallace. “The girls’ team is returning most of the top runners from last year. The girls’ are looking to improve upon their record from last year, and also qualify for All-States.”

Three senior captains will be leading the girls’ team this fall, including Maddie Daigle.

“Maddie has come back stronger and faster than last year,” said Wallace. “She should be one of the top runners in the Cape Ann League. I am looking forward to seeing what type of season she is going to have.”

Wallace said senior captain Courtney Cumming is “one of the top vocal leaders on the team.”

“Courtney had some injuries last year, but she has worked hard to come back this season in shape,” said Wallace. “She is ready to be one of the top runners on the girls’ team.”

Wallace said senior captain Sumaedha Konduri is “one of the hardest workers on the team this year.”

“Sumaedha is also a vocal leader and should be one of the top 10 runners on the team,” said Wallace.

Wallace said sophomore Kaila George is a “much stronger runner this year.”

“Kaila’s hard work should help her continue to be one of the top runners on the team,” said Wallace.

Wallace said sophomore Gabby Bottaro worked hard during the offseason to get ready for this year.

“Gabby is ready to pick up where she left off last year when she was one of the top runners on the team,” said Wallace.

Wallace said junior Viola Wertz should be able to build on a strong finish to last season.

“Viola should continue to be a consistent varsity runner this year,” said Wallace.

Wallace said junior Olivia Goguen is a very “hard worker.”

“Olivia has the work ethic to improve and provide some junior leadership on the team,” said Wallace.

Wallace also has high hopes for junior Katie Cash.

“Katie has been injured the last couple of years, but she is healthy and much stronger this year,” said Wallace.

The girls’ cross-country team also includes freshmen Shea Moore, April Sun and Siri Tudi.

Boys’ team

The boys’ cross-country team concluded the 2021 CAL season with a 0-5 record, but finished seventh in the Division 3A State Meet.

“The boys’ team was the first team in the history of Massachusetts high school cross-country to go winless but still qualify for All-States,” said Wallace.

Wallace hopes the boys’ team will be able to build on last fall’s strong finish.

“I believe the boys’ team has a chance to win a few meets and again qualify for All-States if everyone stays healthy,” said Wallace.

Three senior captains will be leading the Pioneers this fall, including John McKrell.

“John is a captain for the second year in a row,” said Wallace. “He has been the number one runner on the team for the last two years. I am expecting him to lead the team once again.”

Wallace said senior captain Angelo DeLuca is a “great leader.”

“Angelo leads by example and is also vocal,” said Wallace. “He is one of the hardest workers on the team and should have a very successful senior season.”

Wallace has been impressed by the leadership qualities displayed by senior captain Charlie Beatrice.

“Charlie is a quiet leader, but is also one of the hardest workers on the team,” said Wallace. “He is looking to become a consistent top five runner on the team.”

Wallace also has high hopes for sophomore Shea McCarthy.

“Shea worked hard over the summer, and it has shown in practice,” said Wallace. “I expect him to be one of the top runners on the team.”

Wallace has been impressed with junior Ryan Nguyen’s improvement this fall.

“Ryan has improved a great deal and should be a varsity runner this year,” said Wallace.

While sophomore Srivanth Tudi has been “battling shin splints” to start the season, Wallace anticipates he will be “one of the top runners on the team.”

Wallace said junior Jake Martinho has made a lot of strides since last season concluded.

“Jake is always working hard in practice and has improved since last year,” said Wallace.

The boys’ cross-country team also includes junior Brennan Curley, junior Ryan Zannella, sophomore Shlok Kudrimoti, sophomore Ashkrit Mahajan, sophomore Matthew Squadrito, and freshmen Jacob Book, Nick DeGennaro, Dylan Nguyen, Andee Shieh and Kaiden Stefo.

First meet

The cross-country teams host Newburyport on Wednesday, Sept. 21, beginning at 4 p.m.

“Our first meet is a week later than anyone else because we actually have a bye during the first week of the racing season,” said Wallace.