Multiple Warriors impress at All State Meet of Champions

Diaz sets school record

BOSTON — Wakefield High saw an All State Champion crowned at the Meet of Champions on Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center as Bradley Diaz held off a valiant effort from Newton South’s Harvard-bound Justin Levy to win the 600 meters.

Diaz needed a school record performance in order to accomplish the amazing feat. He ran 1:20.51 to break Jackson Gallagher’s record of 1:20.60 from 2015. The time also ranks 8th fastest in the country. Levy was a close 2nd in a time of 1:20.61.

Diaz took the lead at 300 meters and came through 400 meters in 52 seconds. He held off a late charge from Levy down the final straightaway to secure the win. Diaz will now move on to New England’s.

The boys’ 4×800 meter relay team of Michael Roberto, Ben Stratton, Ajay Haridasse and Diaz finished 5th overall with a time of 8:10.88 to advance to New England’s. The impressive thing about their performance was that they had to do it from the slow heat without the advantage of racing head to head with the fastest teams.

Lucas Kehoe competed in both the long jump and high jump, choosing to forgo the 300 meters that he qualified to focus on the jumps. He placed 10th in the long jump with a leap of 20’9”. He placed 13th in the high jump by clearing 5’10”.

Three members of the Warrior girls’ team qualified for the championship.

Maggie Leone ran a time of 5:28 in the mile to place 21st in her first All State Championship. Leone has made significant gains this season to make it this far.

Sammy Seabury returned from a two-week recovery from an injury to compete in the 2 mile. She ran a brave race and stuck with the leader through a fast 5:25 opening mile. The pace and time off caught up to her as she faded to 16th in a time of 11:49. Seabury will take advantage of the next two weeks to prepare for Nationals and will get back to true form in no time.

Annie King ran a strong race and came from behind to catch a handful of girls and eventually held on for 21st place in a time of 12:02. It was quite the accomplishment for her first season of track.