preparing for state relays this weekend
Published May 28, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s outdoor track team is off and running in their 2021 spring season.
So far their record is 1-2, which includes a very close meet against Stoneham in which they lost by just 5 points. While they also lost to Wilmington at home they did beat Watertown on the road in week two.
Two dozen athletes make up the team, and they are led by senior captains Paul Sampson, Jack O’Hara and Dan Urchuk. “All of our captains have really stepped up with great work,” says Melrose head coach Tim Morris. “These seniors are our top scorers and all great students and kids.”
That includes Urchuck, who in a recent meet against Burlington, won the discus at 113 and also took 2nd in the Javelin at 119. Fellow captain Paul Sampson took 3rd in the long jump and the 200 meter. O’Hara, meanwhile, is competing for the last time for Melrose and the future college athlete’s efforts remain impressive. According to Morris, O’Hara has been a difference-maker for Melrose in his long career. “Some of our best efforts from Jack in the 800 meter and he just came in first with a time of 1:59.8. He is Amherst College bond will continue to run at the next level.”
Last year, Melrose didn’t have a season, so Morris is looking at seniors who were last sophomores, and plenty of brand new faces overall. “I would say our numbers are down some, part of that is due to wrestling this spring. The important thing is the kids are all getting a chance to compete.”
On Tuesday, Melrose fell to rival Burlington at Pine Banks but nonetheless had impressive performances. One of the best races of the day was the 4×400 relay which consisted of O’Hara, Stone Liu, Will Dugan and Ryan Cotugno, who ran a gutsy anchor leg to win the race.
Field events showed promise as sophomore Trentyn Hodges and freshman Kiran Thomas also had personal bests in the long jump. Senior CJ Maher earned a personal best jump in the high jump with a reach of 5′ 6.
Morris has some quality assistance for his throwing and distance teams. “Asst. Coach Matt Dorthy has a great deal of experience especially in the throwing events, and volunteer Coach Mike Cotugno has done a tremendous job working with the middle and distance runners,” reports Morris.
And it shows. Against Burlington, sophomore Ellis Lurilli-Hough ran a 10:24 in the 2 mile. Juniors Will Dugan and Stone Liu are earning points in the 1 mile and junior Justin Camelio has prevailed in the two mile. Junior Ryan Cotugno has looked strong and scored in the 800 and the 4×400 relay. Junior Luke Maher is shining in the shot put and javelin, and senior CJ Maher has excelled in the high jump, hurdles and javelin.
“We have some young sprinters that are developing,” says coach Morris, who points to the work of Trentyn Hodges and Kiran Thomas. “We also have some young distance guys like Erik Hall, Tom Waden and Tom McElligott.”
Melrose will see increased competition in the coming days. They will take part in the State Coaches Relays at Wheaten College on Sunday. Expect to see appearances by Dan Urchuck, Justin Camelio, CJ Maher, Jack O’Hara, Ryan Cotugno, Will Dugan and sophomore Ellis Lurilli-Hough in the 4×800.
Melrose will wrap up their regular season when they battle Wakefield on Monday 10:00 a.m. On June 10, Melrose will take part in the league meet at Burlington High.
