MELROSE — In an exhilarating showdown at Melrose Pine Banks on Tuesday afternoon, the Wakefield High School boys’ cross country team clinched the Middlesex League Freedom Division Championship, defeating a fierce rival in Melrose.
Both teams entered the meet undefeated, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash that lived up to its billing as the Warriors came away with a hard-earned 23-32 victory.
Wakefield’s standout performance came from senior Brandon Nett, who finished 2nd overall with a time of 16:50, closely followed by his brother Andrew Nett, who secured 3rd place at 17:01. Their strong finishes provided a crucial boost to the team score, showcasing the depth and talent of the Wakefield squad.
Adding to the depth for Wakefield were critical finishes by George Palmer in 5th place at 17:13, Devin DeBeradinis in 6th at 17:18 and Max Viselli in 7th at 17:24. Jacob Ciriello finished 11th at 17:44, while Alec Buonopane-Cohen took 12th at 17:52. Ethan Mezikofsky finished 14th at 18:13, Marcello Caruso came in 15th at 18:15 and Tyler Galante rounded out the top 10 Warriors with a 16th-place finish at 18:29. Collectively, these performances helped Wakefield secure a total of 23 points, triumphing over Melrose’s 32 points.
In an impressive display of depth, the Wakefield junior varsity team secured a decisive victory over Melrose. Leading the way for Wakefield was Aidan Burd, who finished 1st with a time of 19:03. He was followed by teammate Evan Buonopane-Cohen, who took 2ndplace at 19:32. Wakefield continued to dominate the field with Ryan Paige and Sean Marra both crossing the finish line in 4th and 5th, clocking in at 19:34. Rounding out the top finishers for Wakefield were Zachary Richardson in 6th at 19:47, William Iudice in 7th at 20:11 and Brendan Pritchard in 9th at 20:20. The team’s strong performance reflects their hard work and preparation, setting a positive tone for the postseason.
The victory not only extends Wakefield’s undefeated streak but also solidifies their position as a formidable force in the Middlesex League.
Coach Perry Pappas praised his team’s efforts, stating, “I’m incredibly proud of how our runners performed today. They showed great determination and teamwork, and it’s rewarding to see their hard work pay off.”
As the season progresses, Wakefield will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the championship season.
Next up is the Middlesex League-12 Championship meet on Monday at the Woburn Country Club.