IT’S BEEN two years since Melrose High indoor track ran indoors, and this photo of senior capt. Charlotte Tysall (then a sophomore) reflects it. (file photo)
Melrose is 1-0 after Stoneham win
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls indoor track team has one victory behind them to start their campaign, thanks to a 71-29 season-opener win over Stoneham on December 15 at Boston University. Expect big things from this traditionally strong team, who only two seasons ago took the ML title after an unbeaten season. One year after their “Fall 2” indoor/outdoor season last spring, the team is back to basics and will compete in a series of dual meets and invitationals in what is expected to be a very competitive season. That was evident in their season-opening victory over Stoneham on Dec. 15 at Boston University.
This winter, look for Melrose’s depth to make them contenders for a league title. They will be led by captains Charlotte Tysall, Katie Sikkema, Anna Mackey and Rory Kirby.
“We’re a very new team but a very dedicated team,” says Melrose head coach Shannon Kane.
Among the standouts this season is senior Anna Mackey, who prevailed over all ML opposition in the 1000m on Wednesday with a first-place time of 3.16.77. Other winners on Wednesday included D’Mitri Mukasa in the 55 dash and long jump, Autumn Whelan in the 300m, Katie Sikkema in the 600m, Charlotte Tysall in the 1 mile, Jillian Bakey in the 2 mile and Julia McAree in the 55 hurdles and high jump. And the team’s 4×200 relay team of Autumn Whelan, Katie Sikkema, Charlotte Tysall and Anna Mackey also won and had a 2nd place overall finish among the ML.
Expect Melrose to show strength in distance running on the legs of Jillian Bakey (2 mile) Mazie Frakt, Kenzington Ludlum, Ava Picone, Ellie Sweezey and Jasmine Lee. In the 300, look for standout Autumn Whelan to top the pack alongside Meghan Radzik and Ellie Deeble. Melrose will be represented in the 600 by Katie Sikkema, Darby Thompson, Adeline Lawlor, Sofia Totino and Rachel Brooks. Another relay team to keep your eye on is Meghan Radzick, Amy Rowe, Nora Mahoney and Ellie Deeble.
In hurdles, look for Julia McAree to earn top times along with Molly Lytje, Rory Kirby and Amara Otaluka. In high jump, expect to see McAree to excel along with Scarlett Timm and Molly Lytje. In the long jump, look for D’Mitra Mukasa to soar to great heights along with Sofia Weissman and Meghan Radzik.
One year after their “outdoor” indoor season in Fall 2, Melrose didn’t get a chance to qualify their athletes for states, but they certainly would like to do that and repeat their undefeated championship season in 2019. So far, they are off to a good start.
Reports Kane, “There is a lot they need to learn but we have great leaders to make this team great.”
Melrose will compete against Watertown on Wednesday (post-deadline) as they strive to add to the winning column. They will also compete against long-time rival Wakefield on Dec. 30 at Boston University.
