Published May 6, 2021
NORTH READING — The North Reading boys’ outdoor track team looks to be competitive in the Cape Ann League every spring season and with over 50 team members, that possibility looks very promising this year.
The Hornets are led by head coach Ryan Spinney (12th season as head coach) and assistant coaches Sotirios Pintzopoulos, Kirsten MacLellan, Andrew Falanga, Joseph Davis, Joshua Rocco and Thomas Ledoux.
“We are very encouraged and excited about what this team is capable of,” said Spinney. “This group has a great work ethic, a desire to compete and they are great teammates to one another. This combination can be the catalyst for a special season, where the athletes will improve their athletic bests while also creating positive relationships and memories that they can cherish for years to come.”
Returning Standouts
The Hornets are returning a number of high caliber performers across the board, including 19 seniors who are looking to cap off their high school careers with a strong spring campaign. Starting with the sprinters, senior Grayson Budny leads the way as he has been a strong CAL and state level competitor over his career in the 100 meter dash and the 4×100 meter relay. Seniors Joey Caviasca, Jack Donohue, Ryan Good, Jacob Doolin, Kyle Rabbitt, juniors Alex Carpenter, John Jennings, Spencer Beane, Quinn Riesenberg and sophomore Caleb Sands look to help give the Hornets a boost in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter dash events, as well as the 4×100 meter relay and 4×400 meter relay.
In the hurdle events, senior Garrett Butler, juniors Jake Mikulski and Spencer Beane and freshmen Brandon Eng and Justin Lee look to contribute in the 110 meter hurdles event, where Mikulski, Butler and Beane have been strong in practice. In the 400 meter hurdles, seniors Jack Murphy, Garrett Butler and junior John Jennings will be a force to contend with for all CAL teams.
In the distance events (800 meter run, 1 mile and 2 mile), junior Aidan Nadeau is fresh off an undefeated indoor season and is looking to continue making a name for himself in the league. Senior Jack Murphy will be a tough competitor in the 800 meters as he is coming off the top 600 meter time this indoor season. Senior Henry Pelmas, junior Anthony Petrosino and sophomores Nick Fabrizio, Rocco Tammaro, Brady Miller and Nathan Miller are also looking to contribute to the cause as they did in the winter season. Seniors Devin Adams, Maguire Koepke and Nick Rinaldi look to set personal bests as they finish their strong high school careers this spring.
In the throwing events (shot put, discus and javelin), a few veterans and a few new faces make up the mix of Hornets looking to contribute to the team score. Seniors Peter Wyatt (shot put, javelin), Henry Pelmas (shot put, javelin), Zach Sampson (shot put), Jack Murphy (discus), Will O’Leary (shot put, javelin) and juniors Casey O’Connor (shot put, discus or javelin) and Patrick Tannian (discus) look to score points.
In the jumping events (high jump, triple jump, long jump and pole vault), the Hornets look to really take charge. Senior Blake Miller, junior Jake Mikulski and sophomore Jacob Duval will be the competitors in the high jump this spring. Senior Jack Murphy and juniors Alex Carpenter and Patrick Tannian will lead the charge in the pole vault. Juniors John Jennings and Quinn Riesenberg will handle triple jump duties, while seniors Grayson Budny, Ryan Good and juniors, Spencer Beane, Alex Carpenter and Quinn Riesenberg will be competing in the long jump.
Coach Spinney and staff are very optimistic about the future of the program as well.
“Although we have 19 seniors, we do have a number of young athletes who are emerging to be the next wave of Hornet track athletes. The seniors are an exceptional group to emulate and we are very excited for this year and beyond for the program.”
The Hornets kicked off their spring schedule on Thursday against Hamilton-Wenham at home, 5 p.m.
Good luck this spring, Hornets!
