By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — Six members of the Lynnfield High girls’ indoor track and field team took home awards at the team’s end-of-season banquet that was handed out by Pioneers head coach Bill Wallace.
Abby Lopez received the team’s MVP Award.
“Abby was one of the hardest workers on the team,” said Wallace, about the junior. “She is the first distance runner I have ever given this award to in my 25 years of coaching track. She was able to double in the one and two mile in multiple meets which really helped the team out. She is quickly becoming one of the better distance runners in the Cape Ann League.”
The LAA Scholar Athlete Award went to senior Clara Caulfield.
“Clara was one of the leaders on this team, which is why she was named captain for this year,” said Wallace. “She provided a great example of what it means to be a true leader. She consistently improved as the season went on and even ran a personal best in the hurdles at the league meet. She was also the team leader in the high jump (4’8”).”
Senior Gabby Bottaro took home the Coaches Award.
“Gabby was injured for most of the season but stayed with it and ended up qualifying for the league meet,” pointed out Wallace. “She was another captain that provided great leadership. I am hoping she has a healthy outdoor season.”
Seniors, Lily Rocco and Caitlin Buoniconti, each were given the Captain’s Award.
“Lily was one of the fastest athletes on the team,” said Wallace. “She provided a very positive environment where the younger athletes could gain confidence as the season progressed. This was one of the many reasons she was a great captain.”
Wallace also praised Buonconti.
“Caitlin was another captain that was able to lead by example,” he said. “She put a lot of hard work in at practice which inspired many of the other athletes on the team. She was the only captain that was able to qualify for the state meet and ended up running her personal-best at that event (3:37 in the 1,000 meters).”
The Rookie of the Year Award went to sophomore, Sofia Giardina.
“I don’t give this award out every year unless there is an athlete that deserves it,” explained Wallace. “Sofia certainly separated herself from many of the other young athletes on the team. She was able to qualify for the league meet in three different events (55 meters, 300 meters and 4×400 relay). This is a great accomplishment, especially for someone new to this sport. She even ran personal-bests in both events at the meet. I am looking forward to seeing how she progresses in the next few years.”
The Pioneers were in third place in the CAL Baker Division this winter going 2-2.
“I think this season was a success,” said Wallace, who also coaches the Pioneers boys’ and girls’ cross country teams in the fall and the boys’ track and field team in the spring. “The team went 2-2 and was competitive in both losses. The junior varsity team was even able to win the JV CAL’S, which bodes well for the future of this program. I expect most of the girls to be back next season and hopefully we can compete for the league title.”