Published in the November 13, 2018 edition.
WRENTHAM — The Division 3 EMass State Championship title was on the top of the list for the Wakefield boys’ cross country team to add to their achievements.
Even though the boys had a tough day on the course, they still managed a runner-up finish to take home some hardware and earn their 4th consecutive trip to All States.
Walpole were the victors on Saturday as they came away with the win by 9 points. Five seconds was the difference between first and second-place team finishers.
Junior Matt Roberto had an amazing day as he placed 2nd overall in a personal best time of 16:16 on a day that did not offer the best conditions for fast times. Wind was fierce in parts of the course but that didn’t deter Roberto from competing with top contenders and pulling away from the chase pack with a half mile to go. Burlington’s Rishabh Prakash was the individual winner in a time of 16:02.
Rohan Singhvi placed 13th in a time of 17:00. Tanner Jellison had a very strong kick placing 22nd in his first divisional race running a time of 17:09. Casey Brackett placed 27th in a time of 17:10. Trevor Zupan ran a personal best time of 17:23 placing 38th to round out the scoring.
Derryn Langlois had a consistent performance running 17:44, placing 59th.
Billy Stevens lost his shoe a half mile into the race but fought hard the whole way. He had to maneuver the muddy course with one shoe and a sock placing 76th in 17:58.
“The boys should hold their heads high and be proud of what they have accomplished this season,” said Wakefield head coach Perry Pappas. “They have earned a great deal of respect from their peers in Massachusetts as well as coaches throughout the state. They get another shot at All States and I’m confident they will be competitive.”
All States will be held on Sunday at Stanley Park in Westfield.
