best postseason ever after All States
Published November 22, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—This season, the Melrose High girl’s cross country team achieved what no other MHS team has done and, sure enough, did so again with a strong showing at the MIAA All-State Meet held on Gardner Golf Course on Saturday, Nov. 16. The Middlesex League Champs not only cracked the top ten but they placed sixth as a team among dozens.
Melrose earned 195 points, which represents the team’s best postseason ever after a historic 2019 fall season. Melrose went undefeated in their regular season with a record of 5-0 and became State Silver medalists at the Div. 4 States over a week ago.
On Saturday, their best run was represented by senior captain Alex Cutogno (18th at 20:25) and senior captain Katie Duffy (#35 at 20:28) but they also saw fantastic times from freshman Jillian Bakey (21:53) and Charlotte Tysall (22:08), and also competing ahead of many were Chloe Orcutt, Jane Harrington and Marisa Zelton.
THE MHS girl’s cross country team enjoyed a sixth place finish at States. (courtesy photo)
Coach Nick Tuccinardi couldn’t be more proud of his hard working team. “This was a strong team performance on a tough and hilly course,” he said. “They had no problem with the challenge. Our goal was to break our #7 seeded ranking, and with a #6 finish in the state, we are really proud.”
The coach saluted his outgoing seniors for saving their best seasons for last, which includes his senior captains, including Alex Cutugno, who saved her best running for post season. “She’s been with us since a freshman and it’s fitting that she came in first because she was our most consistent runner over the years. As an athlete, she made all the right choices and I think represents a great blueprint for a runner.”
“Victoria Ackerman,” he continued, “Is the spirit of the team. She’s been with us since freshman year, too, and she is the player that inspires us and rallies us. She has always embraced the cross country spirit.”
And Katie Duffy, says the coach, saved her best running for senior year. How fortunate for Melrose. “Katie had a triumphant year,” he said. “I remember as a freshmen she beat one of our best upperclass runners, Tara O’Shea, who never lost another race again after that. So that’s what Katie does: she inspires those around her to do better in her humble way.”
Departing seniors also include: Olivia Boomhower, Jenna Fracasso, Jane Harrington, Rebecca Hamberg, Bridget McGunigle, Ashley Palmer, Salimah Tajbel, Maeve Tarpey, Catherine Thimble, and Kyle Willwerth, and while Tuccinardi notes it’s a loss for the team, there is certainly some talent coming back, including those who competed at All States.
“I told the girls to cherish this moment,” the coach said. “We made history and set the bar for other Melrose cross country programs to come. That said, I am expecting to return and pick off exactly where we left off next fall.”
