Published in the June 8, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ track team finished their terrific season with an appearance at the MIAA All State championship.
Melrose’s state championship 4×100 team of Brooke Barriss, Lucia Seide, Elsa Brodin and Nora Daly finished 13th with a time of 50.95. And Brooke Barriss competed individually in the 100 dash and finished with a time of 13.01.
It was a fitting finale for Melrose, who saw much success at the Middlesex League Meet and Div. 3 Finals. According to coach Shannon Kane, the best may be yet to come.
“Last year we didn’t have anyone qualify here,” she said. “Even though it was their first time competing at this level, they did not let that pressure get to them. These girls have all grown into a family, where they support each other. Being there for each other, especially in the relay, made them more confident and it really showed in their performances.
THE MELROSE Lady Raider track team wrapped up their successful season with an appearance at the MIAA All States on Saturday. (Donna Larsson photo)
A lot of that success can be attributed to their departing seniors. “This is the first group of seniors that I’ve coached for three years. When I first started coaching, I was only the mid-distance coach, so I only worked with Holly and Sarah. To watch the two run the 4×400 three years ago in states, compared to now, is honestly like night and day. Not only are they better athletes, they are stronger females who have both become selfless leaders on this team. Not only can this be said about Holly and Sarah, but about all of the departing seniors. They all set the tone for the team. And because of them, yes we had a winning season with many state qualifiers, but more importantly we have a loving, caring, supportive, empowering and confident team. And they will be truly missed.”
But the future is very bright for this team, whose talented youth may go miles for Melrose in years to come. “Being a younger team, most of the girls have not experienced higher levels of competition. Now everyone has at least a year or two under their belts, they know what the team expects from them, and they know what they need to do to succeed. I’m so excited to watch them grow as amazingly strong, resilient females as well as help them become the best that they all can be.”
