We looked at past performances this season. We put our trust in you, the coaches, in the times you submitted for a few of your entries. We looked at the numbers…and then we added it all up.
From that, here’s our most educated guess on what will happen at the Division 2 State Relays at Reggie Lewis on Friday night. As we know, and as we often say, anything can happen when our track & field athletes take on their rivals in a championship meet. But if you’re a stat person which, admit it, most of us are, here are the top squads for this weekend’s competition from the numbers that have been given to us.
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Starting with the girls, Wellesley appears primed to win Saturday’s meet by scoring at least 45 points. No surprise here. The Red Raiders did not compete in the Relays last year but have won sixth straight Div. 2 championships. Wellesley has the top seeds in the 4×800-meter, 4x200m, 4x400m and the long jump relays. Defending champion Woburn appears to be the Red Raiders’ biggest threat. By our calculations, the Tanners could score about 38 points based on the seeds. North Andover and Hopkinton should also be in the mix with enough firepower to score around 30 (or more) points if everything works out as planned.
With the ability to score 50-plus points, last year’s runner-up Peabody is the favorite to win the boys’ crown. PHS is ranked No. 1 in the shot and is seeded at No. 2 in the high jump, distance medley and sprint medley relays. Speaking of the shot, the 41-year-old record of 149-9 by Burlington should be broken this weekend with Peabody’s trio of national-leader Alex Jackson (66 feet, 6.25), Jackson O’Brien (44-7) and Areno Saint Victor (50-4). If all are at there best, that’s a combined 161-5.25. With that total, there’s plenty of wiggle room if they don’t hit their PRs to still erase the longstanding mark. Teamwise, Hingham looks solid for the runner-up spot with close to 40 points. The Harbormen have the top seed in the 4x200m and are No. 2 in the shuttle hurdle and 4×50 relays. Winchester, Catholic Memorial and North Andover appear close in talent and could be fighting for the next three positions.
