THE MELROSE boy’s outdoor track team flew past the competition when they beat Watertown last Friday to start 1-0. (Jennifer Gentile photo)
Speedy Melrose flies past Watertown, 94-42
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It’s been a winning start for the Melrose Red Raider outdoor track team, who opened at home on Friday, April 8 at Pine Banks with a convincing 94-42 win over Watertown to begin their season at 1-0.
Melrose swept two events and took eleven overall, including relays.
Led by longtime coach Tim Morris, this team boasts good numbers coming into the spring. Nearly 80 (!) athletes are suited up this year which leaves a tall order for senior captains Will Duggan, Justin Camelio and Ryan Cotugno to manage this large group. They’ve earned lots of faith from Melrose head coach Tim Morris, who tipped his cap to his upperclassmen. “They’re such hard workers who really focus on their job. They lead by example.”
These three, and other top talent, helped Melrose pick up multiple wins over the Raiders, starting in the 400 hurdles which junior Russell O’Donnell took with a time of 61.6. Teammate Keegan Maloney placed third with a time of 72.7. Melrose swept the 1 mile behind the work of Will Dugan, Stone Liu and Peter Story. Dugan’s winning time was 4:53.
Other first place finishers included Sam Madden (high jump) Charlie Krygowski (javelin) Will Dugan (mile) Gabe Buffonge (100hurdle) Sam O’Donnell (400m) Ryan Cotugno (800m) Russell O’Donnell (200m) Caleb Barnes (2 mile) and both Melrose’s relay teams.
Melrose’s Sam Madden had a very strong high jump with a reach of 5’8. Says coach Morris, “Sam’s working hard and improving and I wouldn’t be surprised if he clears 5’10.” Melrose junior Braden Marceau had a solid 2nd place finish in the shot put. Senior captain Justin Camelio was third in shot and second in javelin. Melrose swept the javelin in a 1-2-3 finish behind the work of winner Charlie Krygowski, Camelio and Colin Ormond, respectively.
Melrose sprinters will be well-represented this year and that was on display against Watertown thanks to runners such as Trentyn Hodges, Oto Albanese, Gabe Buffange and Russell O’Donnell.
O’Donnell took first place in the 200m, leading a sweep with teammates Kiran Thomas and Josh Grant. His coach was impressed. “Russell is so versatile and has already qualified in the 400 hurdles and won the 200,” he says. His brother, Sam O’Donnell, also took the 400m with a nice time of 56.2.
Gabe Buffonge prevailed in the 100 meter hurdles. Thomas placed third in the triple jump and third in the long jump. Hodges had a second place finish in the triple jump and Albanese was second in the 100m. Melrose swept the first two spots of the 2-mile behind the work of Caleb Barnes (10:34) and Elis Lurilli-Hough.
Melrose’s team’s relay teams both prevailed in their race thanks for the 4×100 team of Otto Albanese, Nico Chiulli, Keegan Maloney and Sebastian Fiote, and the 4×400 team of Will Dugan, Ben Donovan, Ryan Cotugno and Russell O’Donnell. Look for new talent like freshmen Tyler Lecomte and Caleb Barnes will keep Melrose competitive all season and in future years.
With such great numbers, plus both experienced upperclassmen and new talent, Melrose is bound to pick up wins this season. “I think we have all the ingredients for a good season,” confirms the coach.
The Red Raiders will next travel to Burlington on Tuesday, April 26.
