READING — On the hottest day of the year so far, the St. Mary’s track team’s younger competitors burned brightly at Austin Prep for the Catholic Central League North Middle School, Freshman, Sophomore Meet Saturday afternoon.
In keeping with COVID regulations, the league split into two divisions this year, so St. Mary’s competed with rivals Austin Prep, Arlington Catholic and Bishop Fenwick. The meet ended with several strong performances and the boys team taking the crown with 80.5 total points.
“We are such a disproportionately young team, we knew we had the opportunity to do some damage,” said St. Mary’s coach Tristan Smith. “To go out there and win it as a team, I’m super proud of our boys, but not surprised at all.”
The day started strong, with the Spartans taking first in all three field events. Sophomore Brett O’Brien took the shot put with a throw of 29 feet, 7 inches. Sophomore Dylan Moroney took first in the long jump with a jump of 18-4 1/2, while sophomore Anthony D’Itria jumped 5-9 in the high jump for first in that event as well. For all three competitors, these were personal records in their respective events.
On the track, the Spartans shined in all ranges of events. Sophomore Jaiden Madden took second in the 100 meters with a time of 12.0 seconds. Dylan Moroney took second in the 200-meter, running 24.8. John Nowicki took first in the 55 meter hurdles with a time of 8.8, which currently leads the entire Catholic Central League. Freshman Kyle Kwiatek (4:55.9) and sophomore Jesse Moriello (5:13.6) took first and third in the one-mile, respectively. The St. Mary’s 4×200 relay team (1:44.4) won as well, with the 4×400 relay team placing second (3:59.2).
“There aren’t many teams who get to field their varsity relay teams at the Freshman/Sophomore meet, so the fact that we didn’t need to make any adjustments just shows how deep our young core is,” said Smith.
The St. Mary’s girls team excelled as well, taking fourth as a team with numerous personal bests. Leading the way was sophomore Anna Fringuelli, who took second in the high jump (4-6) and the 600 (1:52.4). Sophomore Kaelyn Jennings took second in the 100 (13.6) and fourth in the 55-meter hurdles (10.2).
“It was really cool to see how well our team competed,” said Fringuelli. “We always say we are a young team and especially after the boys won, we can tell big things are coming for the future of the St Mary’s track team.”
Sixth grader Kelsey Kwiatek fearlessly competed against high schoolers to take second in the one-mile with a time of 5:58.5 — the first time she’s broken the six-minute mark in the one-mile. Other scorers included 8th grader Amelia Latorelli (fourth place in the shot put, 18-5 1/2) and sophomore Roisin O’Regan (fifth place in the 200, 30.8).
“With a small girls team this season, you’re really able to see how talented we are,” said St. Mary’s assistant coach Themo Liakopoulos. “Our girls never shy away from competition and are not afraid to compete, no matter what.”
“This is my fourth year coaching here, so for most of these kids I’m the coach they’ve known from the beginning,” said Smith. “Today was really nice to see them getting out there as I’ve watched them grow as athletes and as young men and women.”
The Spartans continue their season next week at the CCL North Invitational — which, due to COVID regulations, will only feature the top eight competitors in each event from across the CCL North. The top four in each event from that meet will go to the CCL Invitational, which will bring together the North and South divisions to end the season.
Elsewhere in the CCL Freshman/Sophomore Meet, Bishop Fenwick got wins from Zoe Elwell in the shot put (23-7) and Kaleigh Cooke in the 1000 (3:33.7). Other strong performances for the Crusaders came from Sullivan Corcoran (second place in the 55 hurdles, 10.1), Maria Ryan (fourth place in the one-mile, 6:02), Hannah Carafa (third place in the shot put, 19-9), Sam Sharpe (third place in the 55 hurdles, 10.0), Kayla Carlin (fourth place in the 55 hurdles, 10.4), Irene Caron (second place in the 100, 13.5) and Celia Krouse (third place in the 200, 29.7).
BOYS TRACK
Gloucester 55, Swampscott 31
The Big Blue got wins from Joey Do in the high jump (5 feet, 10 inches), Aidan McMaster in the 55-meter hurdles (8.28 seconds) and Dylan Brawley in the 600 (1:32.8).
Swampscott (1-1) runs against Winthrop Wednesday (3:30)
GIRLS TRACK
Swampscott 46, Gloucester 31
Winners for Swampscott were Sofia Qureshi in the shot put (25-7 1/2), Elise Hamernick in the 300 (47.4), Priya Cooper in the 1000 (3:46.6), Olivia King in the one-mile (6:16.4) and Sydney Marshall in the two-mile (15:41.2).
Swampscott (2-0) runs against Winthrop Wednesday (3:30)