Published February 14, 2019
ROXBURY — On Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, the North Reading boys’ indoor track team was able to put the stamp on their perfect Cape Ann League campaign with a close victory in the Cape Ann League Open meet with a total score of 61 points, just three points ahead of runner-up Triton.
Lord scores 28 points, DiSanto is shot put Champion
The Hornets were once again led by League MVP Junior Billy Lord as he took home 1st place finishes in the Long Jump (20’ 8”), the 55 meter dash (6.73) and a 2nd place finish in the 55 meter hurdles (8.00) for a total of 28 points. Lord’s leap is now 2nd best all time in NRHS history and it came in his final attempt in the event, which he needed in order to take home the win.
“Billy showed why he was league MVP tonight,” stated Hornets head coach Ryan Spinney. “He knew he needed to perform in order to give his team the best chance to win this event and he delivered. The back-to-back races in the hurdles and dash were incredibly impressive to witness. He certainly rose to the occasion.”
CAM CHINCHILLO picked up a point for the Hornets at the CAL Open with a sixth place finish in the high jump (5’8”). (John Friberg Photo)
Senior Joey DiSanto had a major impact on the results of the meet as well as he took home top honors as the league champion in the shot put with a toss of 42’ 9.5”, which is now 10th all time in NRHS history, besting his previous season mark and winning the event by 2.5 inches.
“I could not be happier for Joey,” said Spinney. “He has been a major asset to our team this winter and for him to cap off his senior campaign with a league title, that is just amazing.”
DiSanto set a tone for his teammates as well as James Garniss and Will Carpenter took 3rd and 4th place respectively, throwing tosses of 41’ 8.5” and 40’ 10.25”. Garniss’ toss was his best of the season and it could not have come at a better time.
“Our shot-putters were tremendous for us tonight. They scored 20 points for the team total. Coaches Andrew Falanga and Tom Ledoux really prepared the guys to have their best night tonight and they certainly did. I Could not be prouder of that group,” said Spinney.
Budny, Murphy take 4th, relays snag 5th places, Chinchillo takes 6th in high jump
Sophomore sensations Grayson Budny and Jack Murphy made a strong impression in their events, as Budny took 4th in the 55 meter dash (6.86) and Murphy took 4th in the 600 meter run (1:29.32), which places him 8th all time in NRHS history for the event.
“To have two sophomores step up and score major points for their team in this environment is a true testament to their hard work and dedication to their events. It is obviously a wonderful thing to accomplish all that we have this year and still be able to look to the future knowing we have a lot to look forward to as well,” stated Spinney.
Also taking home points for the Hornets were the relay teams in the 4×200 meter relay and the 4×400 meter relay, as they both took 5th overall in those events. The 4×200 meter relay team of Budny, Joey Frammartino, Brendan Witts and David Tingley ran 1:38.66, while the 4×400 meter relay team of Ryan Good, Joey McCarthy, Griffin Murphy and Jack Murphy finished in a season best time of 3:46.53.
The last point for the Hornets was in the high jump as Cam Chinchillo took 6th with a leap of 5’ 8”.
The Hornets will take to the track and field once more on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Reggie Lewis Center in the EMass Division 4 State Championship.
“We will certainly be in the mix for a state title,” said Spinney. “Never rule anything out with this team, it will certainly be amazing to watch.” Good Luck Hornets!
