Update after press time: North Reading defeats Triton, improving to 3-0. (April 29)
NORTH READING — In a commanding performance across sprints, field events, and relays, the North Reading boys’ track and field team secured their first win of the season against Newburyport on April 9, showcasing the Hornets’ depth, speed and strength.
North Reading came out flying, sweeping the 100-meter dash behind a swift, 11.49-second finish from senior Tanner DuPriest, followed closely by Maxwell Gulino (11.58) and Benjamin Wells (11.65). Gulino returned in the 200 meters to notch second place behind teammate Kieran Miller, who stormed to victory in 22.9 seconds.
While Newburyport’s Jalen Wise claimed the 400-meter dash in 51.21, North Reading answered with strong performances from Blaine Evans and Seth Evans, who finished second and third respectively—both in personal-best times.
In the distance events, Newburyport’s John DeJordy swept both the mile and two-mile, clocking a 10:52 in the longer race. He was followed closely by teammate Theo Roberts, but Nalo Benedict of North Reading broke up the Newburyport sweep with a strong third-place finish in 11:11.
The Hornets took the 4×100 relay in 46.27 seconds and dominated the shot put, with Otto Indelicato launching a meet-best 46′ 10″, followed by Leo Romanski and Jason Puglia. Romanski also won the discus with an impressive 145′ 8″, while Nikolas Laverdiere led the way in the javelin at 133′ 5″.
Miller also shined in the long jump, leaping a personal-best 21′ 10.75″ to win the event, while Nicolas Johnson and Damian Andrusyshyn went 1–2 for the Hornets in the pole vault.
The Hornets kept that momentum going in their next meet, overpowering Essex Tech on April 16, also on the road, to improve to 2–0 on the season.
In the 100 meters, senior Kieran Miller blazed to victory with a personal best of 11.04 seconds, leading North Reading, with Seth Evans placing third in 11.31 (PR). The 200 meters saw Essex Tech freshman Leland Pagan steal the show with a meet-winning 23.05 (PR), while Gulino led the Hornets in second at 23.40 (PR).
Blaine Evans and Kieran Miller continued their strong runs in the 400 meters, finishing second and third respectively behind Essex Tech’s Graeme Dineen (54.01 PR).
North Reading dominated the 800 meters, with Bernardo Pancini edging Essex Tech’s Timothy Eagan in a close finish, 2:16.95 to 2:17.02 (PR). In the mile, Essex Tech senior Jeffrey Madruga claimed gold with a personal best of 4:53.90, while Nalo Benedict followed closely in second at 5:01.90 (PR).
In the 2-mile, Essex Tech’s Thomas Fogarty posted a strong 11:42.61, while North Reading freshman Callen Palmaccio finished a respectable third in 12:25.45 (PR), earning his first varsity points.
North Reading swept the 110-meter hurdles, led by Kaio Pancini’s winning time of 16.46, and claimed the top three in the 400-meter hurdles, with Nicolas Johnson clocking 1:06.66.
The Hornets’ 4×100 relay team of Seth Evans, Ben Wells, Mason Tauro, and Maxwell Gulino cruised to victory in 46.15 seconds, while the 4×400 team of Ithalo Sena, Nate Romanski, Finn Joyce, and Jack Gattuso sealed the meet with a strong 4:08.87 finish.
In the throws, North Reading’s dominance continued. Otto Indelicato unleashed a massive 51′ 1.25″ in the shot put, breaking a 50-year-old school record. He was supported by Leo Romanski’s second-place throw of 45′ 5″ (PR). Romanski returned to win the discus with a 149′ 0″ (PR), followed by Indelicato with 136′ 5″ (PR).
In the javelin, Essex Tech’s Griffin Taylor claimed the top throw at 127′ 2″, but Hornets sophomore Damian Andrusyshyn kept it close with a 115′ 4″ (PR).
The high jump featured a tightly contested field, with Benjamin Cook of North Reading clearing 5′ 4″ (PR) for the win. Six athletes tied at 5′ 0″, highlighting the depth and promise of both teams’ jumping squads.
The Hornets aim to carry their undefeated momentum into upcoming home meets against Triton and Pentucket, as they look to finish the regular season strong.