By JENNNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boys’ cross country team saw their perfect season blemished with a loss to Wakefield, 23-32 on Tuesday at Pine Banks Park. They enter the post season remaining at threat at 5-1, and could be a Div. 2A state title contender.
Regardless, they enjoyed a great Senior Day prior to the meet, honoring their outgoing seniors, Caleb Barnes, Jonah Tully, Harrison Brown, Giancarlo Martinis-Torres, Andrew Banchu, Emerson Blanchard, Grady Kamosa, Jad Jamaleddine, Matt Sarnoski, Frost Drogan, Aidan Manning, Billy Oldham and Kush Karemcheti.
Fans had plenty to cheer about as Melrose senior captain Caleb Barnes set a course record of 15:58 while remaining undefeated on the season.
“We had strong performances from our top 5 finishes, including Henry McCormack who finished 4th in 17:12,” says Melrose head coach Alex DeRosa.
Melrose was able to earn points in scoring from more runners, which included Ben Dugan (17:25) Jonah Tully (17:29) and Jad Jamaleddine (17:40) while Wakefield narrowly edged Melrose in the middle of the pack. Melrose’s other top runners included Adam Caldwell, William Oldham, Anderson Ji, Emerson Blanchard and Andre Bancu.
“The athletes gave every ounce of effort,” says DeRosa. “We’re proud of what they accomplished so far this season.”
And their season is far from over. While their dual season finishes at 5-1 Melrose will have two weeks to prepare for Nov. 9’s Div. 2A state Final at Devins.
“At this point, we are focusing on States,” confirms DeRosa, who should have every reason to believe his runners will collect medals, including Caleb Barnes who finishes his ML dual meet season unbeaten.
Stay tuned.
