Published in the April 7, 2017 edition
THE MELROSE High boys’ outdoor track team kicks off their season this week and are sure to be competitive in the league. Pictured is senior Antonio DiFronzo in javelin. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider outdoor track team kicks off their season this week at the mercy of Mother Nature, who has made after school sports a challenge.
Melrose, coached by Tim Morris, returns with a balanced lineup of senior leaders and talented youth that could make Melrose a real contender in the ML Freedom. Leading the team as captains are Collin Casey, Adam Cook, Kevin Wheelock, Griffin Barriss and senior 100 meter performer Aidan Downey.
Last year Melrose had many all stars, including returnees Isaac Siede, Kevin Wheelock, Colin Casey and Steven Abbott.
Keep your eye on a quartet of seniors: Kevin Wheelock, Adam Cook, Sean Conlan and Griffin Barriss, who will be looking to end their MHS track careers on the highest of notes. Look for this state medal winning relay advance to post season competition and be very hard to beat.
Melrose will likely own the two mile across the board as well with state champ Kevin Wheelock, Adam Cook, Steve Stromski running it. Both Conlan and Barriss should see time in the 800 and 400 as well.
Expect Melrose to take flight in jump events with work from senior Steven Abbott (long jump) Liam Rittenberg (a top high jumper) and Nick Chan in the triple jump and high jump. Abbott will also run the 200 and Chan will be expected to sprint as well. Other jumpers include Isaac Siede and Rey Guity will also use their speed to their advantage as they run the 4×100 relay with Abbot, Frantz Pierrot and Mike Fennell.
Peter Wiesen and Will Hanlan should compete for Melrose in the hurdles.
Melrose’s field events include: Collin Casey, Charlie Femino, Jake Fortier and Jon Fortier in the shot put. In the javelin, expect to see Ryan Long, Adam Caffey, Nick Anderson, Antonio DiFronzo and Scott Raia compete. In the disc, athletes such as Collin Casey, Jackson Curren, Jake and Jon Fortier and Charlie Femino toss for Melrose.
According to Morris, the only obstacle Melrose has faced this season has been the weather. “It’s been tough as usual. A lot of practices have been in the gym, but we have a good core of guys that are working hard. Wheelock, Abbott, Siede and Colin return as league All Stars and we expect good stuff from them and the whole team.”
Melrose was slated to compete against Reading on Thursday (post deadline, and weather relating) and are scheduled to host Wilmington on Monday, April 10 at 3:30 p.m.
