THE MEDAL-winning MHS mixed 4×400 relay team broke the mold last weekend, winning 5th place and serving as MHS’s first ever mixed relay team. Pictured from left: Kate Sikkema, Charlotte Tysall, Will Dugan and Ryan Cotugno. (courtesy photo)
mixed relay team finds the podium
By JENNIFER GENTILE
BOSTON—It was a successful day for the Melrose High girls’ track team who competed in the 2021 Northeast Invitational at the Reggie Lewis Center over the 3-day holiday weekend. A few Red Raiders were fortunate enough to make the podium. Overall, it was a great opportunity for most of the team to compete as they await upcoming events like Div. 3 State Relays, the Coaches Invitational and the Middlesex League meet.
During their grueling weekend, Melrose saw some outstanding performances, including their 4×400 relay team who had a solid 5th place showing behind the work of Charlotte Tysall, Autumn Whelan, Anna Mackey and Katie Sikkema. Sikkema had Melrose’s best time in the 300, 18th with a time of 45.62, and in the event, was joined by D’Mitra Mukasa, Meghan Radzik, Allison Doherty, Amy Rowe, Adeline Lawlor and Sophia Galusi.
Melrose’s first-ever mixed relay team made history—and the podium—finishing fifth with a time of 4:01. Earning medals were Charlotte Tysall and Kate Sikkema who joined Ryan Cotugno and Will Dugan of the MHS boys’ team. It’s the first relay event of it’s kind in Massachusetts and an event Melrose was just made for.
The Red Raiders were represented in the 600 by Ava Picone (43rd), Ellie Deeble, Rachel Brooks and Jasmine Lee and also showed strength in distance events. In the 1000, Anna Mackey cracked the top ten with an 8th place finish and a time of 3:08, while teammate Kensington Ludlum also competed in the event. And, Jillian Bakey was #16th in the 2 mile.
Melrose proved their jumping abilities and then some. Senior Julie McAree represented Melrose in the high jump, and Meghan Radzik finished 12th and Sofia Weissman 13th in the triple jump. D’Mitra Mukasa was #16th in the long jump. Melrose’s 4×200 relay team was competed by Sofia Weissman, Ellie Deeble, D’Mitra Mukasa and Isabelle Chardavoryne.
Melrose recently wrapped up their dual meet season with a winning 3-2 record, with plenty more season to go. Stay tuned.
