DANVERS — The North Reading High cross country squads took on a tough competitor in Essex Tech last Wednesday in Danvers. Despite strong efforts across the board, the Hornets fell 16-47 in the boys’ race and 25-30 in the girls’ race. Both squads fell to 0-3 on the season.
Junior Nico Johnson was the top Hornet in the boys’ race as he placed 5th overall in a time of 18:42 over the 3 mile rolling course. Junior co-captain Alex Mitasev and sophomore Gerard Jorda took 11th and 12th overall in times of 20:31 and 20:33 respectively.
Junior Raffi Toby (15th, 21:35), senior Dylan Zecher (16th, 21:45), sophomore Cole Fabrizio (17th, 22:01), freshman Connor Abruzzese (18th, 22:10), junior co-captain David Wyatt (22nd, 23:20), junior Michael Mahoney (23rd, 23:35), junior Aidan Seaman (32nd, 28:49), sophomore Ben Russell (34th, 30:29) and junior Mahir Mugdho (36th, 35:44) rounded on the Hornet competitors on the day.
“We knew they would be tough and they were as advertised,” said Hornets head coach Ryan Spinney. “We ran tough and did all we could today. That’s all you can ask for.”
Sophomore Quin Kelly continued her undefeated streak as she took first overall in a time of 21:37, 43 seconds ahead of the second place finisher from Essex Tech in the girls’ race. Junior co-captain Ava Collins finished a gutsy race as she took 4th overall in a time of 23:11 to keep the Hornets close. Senior co-captain Ali Koenig had a massive race as she took 7th overall in a time of 25:02 and classmate Stella DaSilva was right on her heels as she took 8th in a time of 25:18.
Freshman Riley MacDonald and junior Vanessa Steinmeyer took 10th and 11th overall in times of 26:07 and 26:25 respectively. Senior Sophie Saquet (22nd overall, 32:37) and sophomore Miriana Bornstein (27th, 36:05) rounded out the Hornet competitors on the day.
“It was billed as a potential barn-burner race and it turned out to be as advertised,” said Spinney. “Our team competed so hard today and we fought for each place. We finished up just short in the results but certainly not short at all on effort. We are very proud of our squad and their performances today.”
The Hornets will have their final home contest of the fall against the Clippers of Newburyport on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Harold Parker State Forest. Good luck, Hornets and congratulations to the seniors.