A first-ever feat after Melrose’s strong EMass finish
Published in the November 17, 2017 edition
THE COLD didn’t stop the Melrose girl’s cross country team from a historic performance at the EMass Finals last Saturday. The team competes in States this weekend. (courtesy photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls cross country team made history on Saturday, Nov. 11 by being the first Melrose High School girl’s cross country team to advance to State Finals after a strong sixth place finish at the 2017 MIAA EMass Divisional Championship in Wrentham, MA. Melrose averaged 21:02 among Div. 4 teams, rounding out the top six with the top spot going to Westwood, followed by Nauset, Newburyport, Dennis Yarmouth and Notre Dame of Hingham.
It was the team’s most impressive performance of the season, with a strong showing from an emerging sophomore class and a top spot earned by senior Tara O’Shea, who earned 12 points for Melrose with her 14th overall finish (19:54.) Less than a minute behind her was sophomore Katie Duffy, a face to watch who finished 20:44 (27th) along with her sophomore teammate Alex Cotugno, who finished 37th at 21:03. Senior captain MyKayla Olwert finished behind them in 21:37. Rounding out a well-balanced roster were Annie Kavanaugh (21:50), sophomore Ashley Palmer (21:54) and senior captain Holly Moore (23:51).
“This was an unprecedented performance,” said head coach Nick Tuccinardi. “Each girl had a mile split they wanted to achieve. They had to run close to perfect and the margin was slim, three seconds tops and the elements brutally cold. For us to place 14th here last year and 6th now says so much about their growth.”
Getting here took a season-long training and preparation, and Melrose notched several impress victories over the season, going 4-1 and just nearly missing a Middlesex League title. Tuccinardi spoke of the team’s planning and dedication that went into this day. “This was our goal from Aug. 24 to Saturday. 87 days of planning and training. We spoke of making the most of those 87 days. It’s a privilege to have made the most of those days to get where we are now.”
Keeping their intensity is something that could have fallen by the wayside. “We suffered some injuries to Holly [Moore] and Mykayla [Olwert] this season and were lucky to have a great sophomore class pick up the reigns. And after leagues, the girls never dipped in performance. We doubled down.”
For their efforts, Melrose has named three All Stars in Tara O’Shea, Alex Cutugno and Katie Duffy this season. And with Olwert and Moore taking All Star honors last year, Melrose finishes their season with 5 All Star runners on their squad. To Tuccinardi, it’s an indication of the strength of the program. “Last year we had 17 girls, this year 29 and our All Star list is growing. Girl’s cross country is a winning program, very competitive, and talented athletes are opting to run for us. Word has gotten out that we are welcoming and fun but also able to beat our rivals.”
Melrose will compete in the MIAA State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Wrentham Development Center with a shot gun start of noon.
Even better? After their super successful season, Melrose will enter 2018 season as a ranked team. Until then, they are out to prove their mettle this Saturday at States , “We’re proud to be there. Relaxed going in. These girls never complaint. They will train in the rain. I’m proud of their efforts.”
