One-hundred and ninety-six high schools, 5,190 runners!
Those are the numbers for the state’s most popular meet of the season, this weekend’s MSTCA Bob Glennon Twilight Invitational. Miles and miles of Christmas lights, music blaring, nighttime running and fast competition, this meet ALWAYS has it all!
Unlike the previous years, the two-day meet will kickoff on Saturday rather than Friday with the Small and Medium Schools answering the gun. Sunday, it’s the Large Schools turn to take center stage at the Barnstable Fairgrounds.
Besides attracting a bunch of the state’s top-ranked schools, there are a few that are making the trip to the Bay State from beyond the borders, including Oyster River in New Hampshire. The girls’ squad is currently ranked No. 1 in the Concord State.
Want to talk fast? Last year’s meet produced 12 of MA’s top 20 times for boys with Westford Academy’s Jack Graffeo clocking a state-leading 14 minutes, 57.7 seconds. Guess what? Jack is Back! Graffeo is among the entries for the Large School Night, and we’re sure he’s ready to defend his title in what looks like his first meet of the season. On the girls’ side, 10 of the top 20 times were produced at Twilight. Holliston’s Maggie Kuchman, who ran a state No. 3 of 17:48.0 to finish second in the Medium School race, just a tenth of a second behind teammate and graduating senior Carmen Luisi, is the top returnee. Also coming back is bronze-medalist Mari O’Connell of Marblehead, who was also timed in 17:48.0 in the most exciting race of the night. Count defending Small School winner Emily Flagg of Whitinsville Christian among the 5,000-plus entries. The talented sophomore will be looking to make it two-for-two.
Coming soon, Bay State Running will preview some of the top action to expect for the two-day meet. It’s Twilight Time, folks!
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SCHEDULE/ENTRIES
Saturday Night (Small/Medium School Night)
5:15 p.m. – Novice Coed – 2.1 miles
5:45 – Freshman Boys – 2.1 miles
6:05 – Freshman Girls – 2.1 miles
6:25 – Sophomore Boys – 5K
6:50 – Sophomore Girls – 5K
7:20 – Junior Varsity Boys – 5K
7:45 – Junior Varsity Girls – 5K
8:15 – Varsity Small School Boys – 5K
8:40 – Varsity Medium School Boys – 5K
9:05 – Varsity Small School Girls – 5K
9:35 – Varsity Medium School Girls – 5K
SCHEDULE/ENTRIES
Sunday Night (Large School Night)
5:30 p.m. – Novice Coed – 2.1 miles
6:00 – Freshman Boys – 2.1 miles
6:20 – Freshman Girls – 2.1 miles
6:40 – Sophomore Boys – 5K
7:05 – Sophomore Girls – 5K
7:35 – Junior Varsity Boys – 5K
8:00 – Junior Varsity Girls – 5K
8:30 – Varsity Boys – 5K
8:55 – Varsity Girls – 5K
