Post publication update:
Melrose defeats Burlington 18-39 (Oct. 14)
Published October 10, 2025
League wins are twice as nice for boys’ cross country
Melrose overpowers Wilmington and Stoneham
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boys’ cross country team remains unbeaten in the Middlesex Freedom League after back-to-back wins over Stoneham and Wilmington over the last week. They are 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the league, which makes their journey for a potential league title all the easier.
Melrose began their winning ways last week when they picked up a swift and overwhelming win over Stoneham at home on Sept 30 by a score of 15-45. “We’re glad to be undefeated in the Freedom League so far and Wilmington should be a good meet,” says coach Alex DeRosa, who points to the hard work of his captains Ben Dugan, Henry McCormack and John Strong.
The trio came up big for Melrose, who essentially swept the top 10 (all but 8th place) behind the work of winner Henry McCormack, who swept all competition with a time of 17:19. He was followed in order by teammates John Strong, Dan Teittinen, Ben Dugan, Elliot Barbor, Anderson Ji, Luke McAndrew, Lincoln Schuyler and John Myers.
Melrose also saw some nice finishes over Stoneham from underclassmen Levi Barnes, Charles Lowe, Anders Smith, Beau Merrill, Kaiden Byrne along with work from experienced runners Bennet McGarvey, Andrew Rogers, Miles Reddall and Drew Finger.
And just this past Tuesday, Melrose made it two in a row following a 20-36 win over Wilmington at home. Melrose’s John Strong topped the pack with a first place finish of 17:20 followed by teammates Henry McCormack. Earning critical spots were Melrose’s Dan Teittinen and Ben Dugan in 3rd and 4th and Eliot Barber finished 8th to round out Melrose’s top 5 finishers.
Melrose is no doubt riding high after the wins. In order for the team to earn a Freedom League title this season they will have to overcome both Burlington and Wakefield who are also unbeaten in the Freedom League. On Tuesday, they will host Burlington in a key league meet.
But first, Melrose will take part in the annual MSTCA Bob Glennon Twilight Meet this Sunday at the Barnstable Fairgrounds.