THE WAKEFIELD HIGH boys’ track 4×800 meter relay team set a school record time of 7:59.49 at the New England Championship on Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center. It was a 10th of a second faster than the previous record set in 2017. Pictured from left to right is Ben Stratton, Bradley Diaz, Michael Roberto and Ajay Haridasse. The four will compete in the 4×800 relay at New Balance Nationals in New York City this weekend. (WMHS Track Photo)
BOSTON — Back in January, the Wakefield High boys’ 4×800 meter relay team established a very fast time of 8:04 at the Northeast Invitational. Since then, they have had to focus on other areas for the team and as individuals over the past six weeks.
On Saturday, they lived up to their early season potential as the foursome of Bradley Diaz, Ajay Haridasse, Ben Stratton and Michael Roberto stepped on the track again with an impressive, school record performance at the New England Championship held at the Reggie Lewis Center.
There is no room for error in a 4×800 meter relay and all four runners had to run fast on the same day. They got out fast and held on strong for 3rd place even as the Conard, CT team that included two Stanford commits were closing strong. In the end, the time of 7:59.49 was registered and was about a tenth of a second faster than the old school record. Diaz ran 1:56.9, Haridasse 2:01.2, Stratton 1:59.9 and Roberto 2:00.9.
Lowell High School and Staples High School in Connecticut placed 1st and 2nd. The previous record was held by Matt Greatorex, Ryan Sullivan, Nick McGee and Adam Roberto from Nationals in 2017.
About 90 minutes later, recently crowned All State Champion Diaz had to get refocused for his own individual event after a very strong leading effort of 1:57 that established a fast pace in the 4×800 meter relay. The challenge was massive even for the top 600 meter runner in Massachusetts.
However, Diaz faced that challenge head-on as he got out fast early and held off a challenge from UMass Lowell bound senior Hatim Boukhatam from North Quincy. Diaz crossed the line first in a time of 1:21.17 to be crowned New England Champion.
Only a true champion can step up for his team with a hard effort then come back and win a New England title with such short rest.
“I am so proud of Bradley because this is something he has been working on since his freshman year and he has finally achieved it,” said coach Ruben Reinoso. “He is our first New England Champion since taking over the team back in 2009.”
Next up is New Balance Nationals in New York City this weekend. Diaz will run the 400 meters, Sprint Medley Relay and 4×800 meter relay. Haridasse, Stratton and Roberto will join Diaz in the 4×800 meter relay.