The MSTCA Freshmen-Sophomore Meet has moved to later in the season than it’s usual spot in early January, with the hope of creating more of a Championship Environment. Looking through the entries, that appears to be the case. Let’s take a look at some must watch races.
Mile:
The top two seeds are both freshmen. Both have already smashed the New Balance Nationals Freshmen Mile Standard. In fact, both Lucy Downin of Holliston and Emma Genovese of Millis have the Championship Standard. That’s why we’re marking this as must watch for Saturday. Downin already turned heads when she won the Mile at the Winter Warrior Invitational. Genovese set her PR of 5:07.95 last season as just an eighth grader. This race sets up what could be an epic rivalry over the next four years. Make sure you’re trackside. Keep an eye on Sydney Dias of Walpole as well. Like Genovese, her PR of 5:13.81 was from last season. She could be in line for a big day.
Long Jump:
Saturday’s second meet (Freshmen-Sophomore has been moved to Saturday) will feature the State #2 Long Jumper in Acton-Boxborough’s Danette Nabbosa. She’s jumped 18’4.25” this season, making her one of four that have cleared 18 feet this season. Could anyone else join her? Lowell’s Stella Agyemang is the closest on paper at 17’4.5”. Kaitlyn Boakye-Yiadom of Westford Academy and Alexa Lasnicki have both cleared 17 feet as well.
Shot Put:
The girls Shot Put could see another competitor distance themselves from the competition. Nipmuc Regional’s Kameron Getman has the sixth best throw in the state at 36’7.5”. She has a comfortable lead based on seeds, but with a title on the line perhaps she’ll reach new lengths. Lowell has another strong representative in the field events with Maa-nsi Dingue. She’s thrown 33’1.75” this season, just outside the state’s top 25. Could she rise and challenge Getman? We’ll see.
600m:
Like the Northeast Freshmen Sophomore Championship, the 600 is once again poised to deliver. In fact, this meet will be a rematch of the top three from that meet. Dover-Sherborn’s Julia Ritchey came away the victor that day, with a PR of 1:39:49. Runner up Phoebe Cowles of Old Rochester Regional has since improved and run 1:49.43. The bronze medalist from that meet was Grace Danielson of Milton who will also toe the line, hoping to crack 1:40 for the first time. The 600 has leveled up since then. All three will want to prove they belong at the top regardless of year.
55m:
Wachusett Freshmen Terry Kwarteng made it known early this season she was a fresh contender to watch out for. At the Winter Festival she won the 55m in 7.35, and was then runner up at the Holiday Challenge in the same time. Even with her limited experience she comes in as the favorite. But it won’t be easy. Needham’s Eva Geddes is right on her heels in the state rankings and could be on the infield Saturday as well. She ran her PR of 7.38 at a Bay State Conference meet. This will be her first Invitational. Perhaps she is in line for a big PR with the lights bright
