MHS boys’ undefeated at 5-0, girls’ on winning streak at 4-1
By JENNIFER GENTILE
THE MHS boys cross country team may be the most talented field of MHS runners in recent years. The team is off to a 5-0 start to the season. Pictured are their seniors from left to right: Ben Jancsy, Addison Dowell, captain Duncan Locke, captain Keith Lovett, captain Abraham Zimmerman, Geoff Rowe, and Ian Brophy. (Donna Larsson photo)
MELROSE — When you’re hot, you’re hot. It’s been nothing but blue skies for the 2014 Melrose High School cross country teams who are fighting for league titles next week with decisive meets against Wakefield on Tuesday. This increasingly popular sport at MHS is bearing the fruit of its labor, showing some of the best field of runners the program has seen in years. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams are 3-0 in the league and vying for a league title, with the boys’ team undefeated overall at 5-0.
Led by talented seniors and promising underclassman, the boys’ team improved to 5-0 after beating Burlington at home on Tuesday, 19-41. The Raiders are currently ranked an impressive 12th in small school divisions in Massachusetts. With plenty of talent from top to bottom, Melrose is seeing great leadership from their senior captains Keith Lovett, Abraham Zimmerman and Duncan Locke, all four-year runners for the team. Add the powerful legs of sophomores Kevin Wheelock and Adam Cooke, both of whom top the pack each race, you have a solid cross country program with staying power.
The girls’ team is lead by tri-captains Lily Tucci, Claire Driscoll and Emily McCarthy, who’ve helped steer Melrose to a winning streak of three victories, including Tuesday’s 25-30 home league win over Burlington. Their junior runner, Elizabeth Hirsch, is a first place runner and standout since her freshman debut.
On Saturday both teams ventured to Franklin Park in Boston on Saturday to participate in the Bay State Championship. This varsity-only race brings together the top runners in Massachusetts, combining large school division and the small school division. The boys finished an impressive seventh in their division beating #12 seed Pentucket and 13th ranked Parker Charter School, along with Middlesex foes Reading and Burlington, which propelled Melrose to a ranked team status. Sophomore Kevin Wheelock led the way, breaking the 17 minute mark with a 13th place finish in 16:53 in a field of 135 runners. Sophomore Adam Cook was next in 29th in just 17:24. Duncan Locke was next for Melrose, finishing 37th in 17:38. Sophomore Sean Conlon finished a strong 58th in 11:28 and junior Robbie Hanlon was 60th in 18:18. Sophomore Griffin Barriss (18:42) and Ian Brophy (19:10) rounded out the top seven for Melrose.
“It was an excellent effort by the boys,” stated coach Kevin Allison. “A couple of our athletes were really struggling today but they hung in there and we beat some really good teams. We know it wasn’t our best team race but hopefully we’ll be able to reach our highest level when we compete against a great Wakefield team next week.”
The Melrose girls also ran quite well on the historic Franklin Park Course. Junior Lizzie Hirsch was Melrose’s best, ninth in 20:24. Freshman Tara O’Shea was next, grabbing 72nd place in 22:37. Lydia Guyvina was 79th in 22:52. Fourth place for Melrose went to captain Emily McCarthy who ran 23:46 for 104th, closely followed by Meghan Cincotta who finished 106th in 23:54. Melanie Cohen (24:01) and captain Claire Driscoll (24:11) rounded out the top seven.
Coach Suzanne lauded the effort. “It was a step up for us. We’re having several girls closing in on that elusive sub 22 minute mark that would put us with some of the top teams. I’m very pleased with our progress and the commitment that these girls are making.”
These teams show remarkable character off the trails as well. On Tuesday when Melrose hosted Burlington at Greenwood Park in Stoneham, the charitable group of runners extended a pot luck dinner to their rivals while celebrating their own Senior Day. Giving back is this team’s hallmark, considering their active involvement in the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, their donation of thousands of fundraising dollars to the Melrose Emergency Fund and their annual fundraising drive that sponsors a family in Africa. The Red Raiders’ work ethic and character are an example of what all Melrose youth can aspire to.
Still, much work lies ahead for the teams. Next week is a decisive meet against rival Wakefield. On the boys’ side, both teams enter the meet at 3-0 in the league (Wakefield is 4-1 overall). The contest has the potential of being a winner-take-division showdown. Melrose girls’ squad (3-0 league) also has a chance of taking the division and a win against the Warriors (3-0 league) could help secure it.
Meet time at Wakefield High School is at 3:30 p.m.
Remaining cross country schedule
10/14 @ Wakefield, 3:30
10/21 @ Watertown, 3:30
10/27 @ Woburn Country Club (League Championship) TBA
