As junior last season, Catholic Memorial’s Michael Upton was among the best runners in the state all season. He started 2024 with a win at the Vineyard Invitational in 16:11, a PR at the time. He would also secure wins in the Small Schools section at the Manchester Invite as well as the Frank Mooney Invitational where he ran a season best of 15:45.
When November came, he was at his best. He was third in the Division 1C Race at Northfield Mountain in 16:30. The following week in Fort Devens, he was 23rd in 16:30 on the same course runners will take on at the Meet of Champions this year. In the spring he ran PRS in both the Mile and Two Mile, running 4:28 and 9:45.
This fall Upton returns at the front of a surging Catholic Memorial team. The Knights opened their season this past weekend, winning the Vineyard Invitational by 29 points. Upton was second this year but topped his time from last year by 20 seconds. All this points to a big season ahead for the Knights senior. Don’t expect him to settle as he’ll challenge for the win in every race he enters this season. He’s the number two returner in both the Catholic Conference and Division 1C. Upton will set the tone up front for the Knights as they make a run this year as one of the rising contenders to watch.
