WOBURN — The Wakefield High girls’ cross country team competed in the Middlesex League Championship meet at Woburn Country Club on Monday. Following some impressive performances, the Warriors ended up taking 4th overall as a team, finishing as the top team from the Freedom Division.
“It was an amazing effort,” said head coach Karen Barrett. “All the girls raced super competitively.”
The highlight of the day was junior Quin Wilcox who took 3rd overall in 18:04, behind only Winchester’s Julia Ramsey (18:03) and Lexington’s Jane Conrad (17:18).
Wilcox had the best time amongst all Freedom Division runners including Melrose standout Reilly Powell (18:07).
“She ran with grit and determination,” said Barrett. “It was the best time I have had a runner run on this course. She ran smart, controlled and gutsy.”
Wilcox will finish as the undefeated Freedom Division MVP in her first year of cross country and will be a Middlesex League All-Conference member which goes to the top 7 runners in the league.
“That’s such an amazing accomplishment,” said Barrett. “I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Wakefield’s next runner to cross the line was senior Liza Bangtson who was 27th overall in 20:26.
Freshman Lillian McLean had her breakout race of the season according to Barrett, earning an PR of 20:41 to take 3rd for the Warriors and 29th overall.
Senior Abby Richardson (21:20, 40th), junior Riley Mitchell (21:27, 42nd), junior Peyton Knowles (21:35, 44th) and junior Lisa Letchford (22:57, 63rd) all helped the varsity team place 4th out of 12 teams. There were 80 runners in the varsity race.
“They all improved their times from last year and ran fantastic races,” said Barrett.
The Warriors will now compete at the Frank Mooney Coaches Invitational on Saturday at the Wrentham Developmental Center in preparation for the state meet which will be on Nov. 8.