Mother Nature was at her best once this cross-country season as near perfect conditions greeted the athletes and teams that participated (and excelled) at Saturday’s MIAA Meet of Champions. Below are quick recaps of all six races at Fort Devens. We also have links for photos, interview and results from this weekend’s competition.
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Now for the recaps…
Division 1 – Girls
The first race of the day certainly didn’t disappoint, both individually and teamwise.
Pre-race favorite Greta Hammer of Needham was never seriously challenged with a gun-to-wire victory. Hammer blazed to a time of 18 minutes, 2.48 seconds, the fastest of all three girls’ race and 14 seconds ahead of runner-up Gianna McGowan of Billerica (second, 18:16.44). Wellesley’s Charlotte Tuxbury was third at 18:22.53. Defending titlist Aoife Shovlin was fourth in 18:32.26. Westford Academy surprised a talented field by capturing the team title with a 118-122 decision over second-place Lexington. Leading the way for the Ghosts was junior Emily Wedlake, who was fifth with an 18:40.03 clocking. A gap of just 1:29.18 separated the top five.
Division 1 – Boys
As expected, Westford Academy’s Jack Graffeo ran away with the individual title. The gifted senior made his biggest surge with about a mile remaining, en route to a triumphant 15:17.08. It was Graffeo’s first individual state crown in his stellar career. Finishing second was Lincoln Sudbury’s Ethan Sholk with a time of 15:35.30. He was followed by Brookline’s Altamo Aschkensay at 15:38.93. The Boston College High’s trio of Shamus Larnard (fourth, 15:43.88)(, Greg McGrath (fifth, 15:44.85) and John Wilson (sixth, 15:47.79 took the next three spots. In an epic team battle, Brookline won its third straight crown, defeating BC High, 62-71. Brookline had a gap of just 55 seconds between its’ one and five.
Division 2 -Girls
Just like she’s done all season long, Whitinsville Christian’s Emily Flagg took all the guesswork out of the outcome for individual honors early. The Crusaders’ gifted tenth-grader built a comfortable cushion over the chase park early just a half mile into the race and coasted to a 20-plus second victory with her time of 18:16.66. Defending champion Maggie Kuchman was second at 18:39.34. Placing third was Marblehead’s Marietta O’Connell with a time of 19:18.71. Westwood, ranked No. 2 in the recent MSTCA Coaches Poll, took the team prize with 123 points, 31 points more than second-place Amherst Pelham.
Division 2 – Boys
Falmouth’s Silas Gartner took charge midway into the race, pulling away from his fellow competitors to secure the individual title with a time of 15:42.6. Gartner nearly matched his effort from a week earlier when he won the Div. 2B crown in 15:42.91. Marblehead’s Nate Assa (second, 15:52.08), Wayland’s Luke Chisum (third, 15:57.36) and Danvers’ Luke Chisum (15:57.36) all broke 16 minutes to take the next three spots. Utilizing pack mentality to the max, Longmeadow won its’ school’s first-ever team title by scoring 101 points. Marblehead was second with 133 points, A mere 23 seconds was the gap between the Lancers’ five scoring runners. Ethan Halpern was Longmeadow’s top finisher, taking 18th in 16:54.19.
Division 3 – Girls
Oxford’s Cameron Davis took the pace out hard from the gun and cruised to a winning time of 18:20.12. Bromfield’s Evelyn Wool was a distant second in 18:55.57. Freshman Katherine Murray of Norwell was third with a time of 19:23.36. Hamilton Wenham, last week’s Div. 3B winner, captured the team crown with 89 points. Bromfield was second with 133 points. Grace Rich was the top finisher for the Generals, taking sixth overall in 19:33.64.
Division 3 – Boys
Taking the lead for the first time with about a half-mile remaining, Monument’s Everett Pacheco powered his way to the individual title. He crossed the line in 16:09.09. Parker Charter’s Henry Jacobsen took the silver in 16:19.56. Ben Rich of Hamilton Wenham was third at 16:23.93. For the second straight year and third time in the last four years, Parker Charter won a tight team battle with Hamilton Wenham, defeating the Generals, 52-76.
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COMPLETE RESULTS
PHOTOS
