LYNN– The St. Mary’s outdoor track team is ready to continue its string of success but its coaching staff will look a little different this season.
St. Mary’s will be led by co-head coaches Andrew Fasullo and Tristan Smith. Both coaches return from the indoor season, but their past coaching experiences compliment each other. Smith has never been a head coach but returns from last year’s position as an assistant for the outdoor track team. Fasullo has never coached outdoor track but has head coaching experience from this year’s indoor season.
“Coaching the indoor track team, I had the privilege of witnessing the great character of our track athletes,” said Fasullo. “I’m really excited for the opportunity to work alongside the other coaches and coach the team this spring.”
Fasullo will specialize in coaching the long distance and middle distance events. A runner himself, Fasullo competed in cross country and track during his high school years and still runs, placing 44th in the BAA half marathon in 2018. Smith will oversee the sprint, jumping, and hurdle events. Smith ran at Swampscott High and Emmanuel College before transferring to Salem State and starting his coaching career. The staff is joined by first-time coach Themo Liakopoulos, who competed at Swampscott and UMass Boston. Liakopoulos will coach the throwing events.
“I’m excited to be a new part of this program and to meet and work with these kids,” Liakopoulos said.
The Spartans are expecting to have a very successful outdoor season following an indoor season which saw two state qualifying athletes. Recruitment of other multisport athletes has been a key part of the strategy for the upcoming season.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and I appreciate St. Mary’s for giving me this chance,” Smith said of being offered a head coaching position. “I’m going to do everything I can to make this season as successful for our athletes as possible.”
The Spartans start the season with the 2nd annual Margaret McNiff Relay Meet hosted by Austin Prep Wednesday.