What a day for Massachusetts!
The Bay State was simply at its best in San Diego for Saturday’s Foot Locker Nationals.
In his third trip out west for the championship meet, Philips Academy (MA) senior Tamrat Gavenas pulled off a stunner in San Diego. After staying in contact with the leaders through most of the race, the Gatorade X-C Runner Of The Year in 2023-24 broke away with half-mile remaining to win his first national title with a time of 15 minutes, 23.9 seconds.
Gavenas, the top returnee at Foot Locker, after finishing second at last year’s meet, overcame some adversity this season to earn his coveted victory at Balboa Park. At the start of fall campaign, he was battling plantar fasciitis.
His first race was a victory at the Manchester Invitational on Sept. 21.
“I was a little scared,” he admitted to Dyestat after Saturday’s win. “What shape was I going to be in? I was not happy with my injury. I came back. I pushed through it. I did what I needed to do.”
Gavenas’s effort highlighted a banner day for MA. Westford Academy’s Jack Graffeo, an early-race leader, finished third overall with a time of 15:34.5. Tyngsboro native and Bishop Guertin (NH) 40 runners with a time of 15:44.1.
Falmouth’s Silas Gartner also competed at Foot Locker this weekend and placed 36th overall in 16:31.20.
