cross-country season, running at the Foot Locker National
Championship at Franklin Park. (courtesy photo Jessica Dugan)
Barnes & Dugan compete at Nationals
BOSTON—The Melrose High boy’s cross- country team has finished another great season with an appearance at both the All States in November and a recent national championship, where two MHS runners competed.
Sophomore Ben Dugan and junior Caleb Barnes extended their seasons as they ran at the Foot Locker National Championship at the iconic Franklin Park cross-country course on Saturday.
Dugan finished 28th in the 10th grade race, finishing in 17:57. Junior Caleb Barnes, Middlesex League Freedom division MVP, competed in the Championship race against the very best runners from all of the Northeast States.
“Caleb represented himself well, finishing 47th, in an impressive time of 16:29. It was a great finish to an outstanding season for the junior,” reported his coach, Kevin Allison.
The team also traveled to Devens, MA on Saturday, Nov. 18 to compete in the Div. 2 State Finals, otherwise known as the Meet of Champions. The top 23 Div. 2 teams in the state and 190 of the fastest runners in Massachusetts met on the tough, hilly Devens course.
Melrose represented very well with an impressive 10th place finish, better than last season’s 16th place finish.
Barnes competed at the top throughout the meet and finished with an 11th place finish in 16:26. Next for Melrose was Jonah Tully who finished 91st in 17:54, followed by Henry McCormack at 96th in 17:58. Finishing in 105th place was Adam Caldwell in 18:05. Jad Jamelladine grabbed 122nd in 18:28, followed by Ben Dugan, 18:31 for 125th, and Billy Oldham, 18:37 for 137th.
Coach Kevin Allison was pleased with the meet and delighted with the season. “The boys ran very tough against the best in the state and showed that they belonged. Caleb was his usual amazing self and Henry ran his best race of the year.”
There is much excitement as they lose no seniors this year and return top talent. Be prepared for a very strong 2024 team.
Says the coach, “The season is very long and this young team (no seniors) met every challenge and competed right to the end. Finishing 10th in a division with over 100 teams is quite an accomplishment for these athletes. They have a lot to be proud of.”