The number two returner from the Meet of Champions Division One race will be looking for an individual title as well as a team title this fall. John Bianchi was eighth last year and has the third fastest time, 15:59, of all returning runners. He will look to lead our number two ranked Natick squad to the team title after finishing fifth last season.
After a strong Sophomore year, Bianchi emerged as one of the best Milers in the state, running 4:11 in the spring, and was runner up at the Meet of Champions. This fall he’ll want to prove he’s the best at the longer distances as well. He ran his PR of 15:22 at the Bob Glennon Twilight Invitational where he was third and was runner up at the Bay State Conference meet in 15:27. His strongest showing came at both the Divisional Championships and Meet of Champions. He was runner up at the Division 1B race behind All-American Jack Graffeo. His time of 16:01 on the challenging Northfield Mountain Course was arguably his best of the season.
Last season Natick ran at the Nike Northeast Regional Championships and given they return most of their team from last season, it’s reasonable to expect we’ll see them their again. Natick was tenth and Bianchi was 34th. Given his success on challenging courses, he should finish much higher this season. Historically, a time around 15:50 at Bowdoin Park should get him a spot at the National Meet. However, it may be more competitive this year with no Foot Locker Meet.
#2 Natick opens their season against #5 Brookline next week. Given potential late season aspirations for both teams it will be worth monitoring how each team races it.
