WILL DUGAN and Stone Liu were neck and neck in a recent, victorious meet against Wilmington. (courtesy photo)

 


Team is 3-2 after Wilmington win

 

 

By JENNIFER GENTILE

BOSTON—The Melrose High boy’s track team has finished their dual meet season with a winning 3-2 record following an impressive 61-39 win over the Wilmington Wildcats on January 13 at Boston University. Moreover, the team enjoyed solid performances at the three day Northeast Invitational held at Boston University over last weekend.

Beating the Wildcats was a collective effort and Melrose prevailed in almost every event. They started off sweeping the 300 dash thanks to Matt Whelan and Trentyn Hodges who went 1-2 respective. Russell O’Donnell placed first in the 600 followed by brother Sam O’Donnell. Ryan Cotugno swept the 1000 and Melrose enjoyed a 1-2 finish in the 1 mile on the legs of Caleb Barnes and Will Dugan. Melrose also prevailed in the 2 mile with a 1-2 sweep from Stone Liu and Will Dugan.

Melrose’s relay teams were also victorious. Taking first place in the 4×200 was Tyler Lecomte, Gabe Buffonge, Trentyn Hodges and Matt Whelan. Coming up victorious in the 4×400 was Ryan Cotugno, Sam O’Donnell, Russell O’Donnell and Ben Donovan.

Over the weekend ten members of the team competed at the Northeast Invitational at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. Representing Melrose was Matt Whelan, Ben Donovan, Russell O’Donnell, Ryan Cotugno, Will Dugan, Caleb Barnes, Stone Liu, Peter Story, Ellis lurilli-Hough and Gabe Buffonge. Melrose saw performances from Matt Whelan in the 300 dash, Russell O’Donnell (15th) and Ben Donovan in the 600. Ryan Cotugno had a strong day in the 1000, coming in 11th. Teammates Will Duggan, Stone Liu and Peter Story also ran in the event. Ellis lurilli-Hough was a strong 14th in the 2 mile and Gabe Buffonge represented Melrose in the hurdles.

Two of the runners earned medals by competing in a first-ever mixed relay with the Melrose girls team. Ryan Cotugno and Will Dugan joined Charlotte Tysall and Kate Sikkema on the podium in fifth place with a time of 4:01.