DiBiase embarks on final season
Published October 14, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The cross-country teams have returned to the trail and are looking to race past the competition in a radically different season.
In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) recently announced there would be no state tournaments in any fall sports this year, including cross-country state meets. The Cape Ann League recently voted to have an abbreviated dual meet season.
“We are grateful and thankful that we are back running and competing, even if it’s just dual meets in the CAL,” said cross-country head coach Joe DiBiase. “I am looking forward to seeing the ability of the new runners and the returning runners improve each week. Our goals are to enjoy each day of practice, compete in every meet, and learn the benefits of running, exercise and fitness.”
DiBiase also noted the pandemic has forced the MIAA and CAL to implement a number of rule changes this fall in order to keep student-athletes safe.
“The kids have to run with masks and there is hand sanitizer close by,” said DiBiase. “They can be no high-fives. It’s very tough, but the kids have been good about following the rules. I am sure the team misses all the fun stuff such as running in a pack, pasta parties, going out to dinner together, etc. Usually after a Saturday workout, I would bring breakfast to the team. I haven’t been able to do that this year. So we are all missing the team-building things we used to do.”
This season is also very special for DiBiase because this is his last year coaching the Pioneers as well as teaching math at Lynnfield High School.
“It has been a great career,” said DiBiase about his looming retirement. “I have spent 32 years in the classroom and 30 years with cross-country. I can’t imagine a fall without cross-country. It’s been a very rewarding career coaching cross-country, track and basketball. I am very grateful that we are having a season, even if it’s not the full reopening we had hoped for. Spending time with these runners is the best and healthiest way to battle all the pain that the quarantine has brought upon us.”
Boys’ team
The boys’ cross-country team concluded last season with a 3-2 record. Three senior captains will be leading the boys’ team this season, including John Astrofsky.
“John is a veteran runner, a tough competitor and a returning CAL All-Star,” said DiBiase.
DiBiase said senior captain Mike Madden is “easily one of the best runners I have coached.”
“Mike came into the season in great shape,” said DiBiase. “He leads by example and could potentially run in college.”
DiBiase called senior captain Mike Dreher “a born leader.”
“Mike is organized, mature and a true vocal leader,” said DiBiase. “He is a great role model.”
The Pioneers are also welcoming back senior Jake Soriano.
“Jake is a solid number three distance runner for us,” said DiBiase. “He is currently free from injuries. He is a great teammate.”
Senior John Briggs has been lacing up his sneakers for the boys’ team for the past four years.
“John adds depth and toughness to the team,” said DiBiase.
DiBiase has high expectations for sophomore John McKrell.
“John is an excellent distance runner who is very motivated,” said DiBiase.
Senior Myles McKay is a promising new addition to the boys’ team.
“Myles is a strong runner who has a high energy level,” said DiBiase.
DiBiase said the boys’ team’s strengths this year are “team unity and strong leadership.”
Girls’ team
The girls’ cross-country team concluded last season with a 1-4 record. Two senior captains will be leading the girls’ team this fall, including Jen Miller.
“Jen is a cheerful and vocal leader,” said DiBiase. “She is a veteran runner, a great role model and a solid runner who competes at 100 percent.”
DiBiase said senior captain Megan Chann is a “quiet leader who leads by steady example.”
“Megan works extremely hard,” said DiBiase.
DiBiase said both Chann and Miller “truly care about the team-aspect of cross-country.”
“Megan and Jen are great at working with the younger runners,” said DiBiase.
Sophomore Bianca Guarracino will be the girls’ team’s top runner this fall.
“Bianca is our number one runner,” said DiBiase. “She is very fit, talented and motivated.”
Freshman Katie Cash is a promising new addition to the girls’ cross-country team.
“Katie is very talented,” said DiBiase.
DiBiase has high hopes for junior Kaleigh Weeks.
“Kaleigh has been terrific,” said DiBiase. “She has been our most improved runner.”
Sophomore Courtney Cumming is back on the trail after missing most of last season due to an injury.
“Courtney came back healthy and looks strong,” said DiBiase.
Senior Ava Buonfiglio decided to join the girls’ team in the wake of the volleyball team’s season getting delayed until the “floating” fall 2 season begins in February.
“Without volleyball this fall, Ava decided to join cross-country,” said DiBiase. “She ran a ton during COVID. She is going to be in our top five.”
DiBiase said freshman Olivia Goguen will have a strong season.
“Olivia is a talented runner,” said DiBiase.
Freshman Viola Wertz is another promising new addition to the girls’ team.
DiBiase said the girls’ team has “good team chemistry.”
“We have a great mix of veteran runners and many new runners with talent,” said DiBiase.
Flushes Royals
Both cross-country teams cruised to victories over Georgetown on Oct. 8. The girls’ team (1-0) defeated the Royals 15-50. The lowest score wins.
Guarracino finished third during the meet (24:09). Cash was fourth overall (24:10). Weeks finished fifth during the dual meet against Georgetown (24:26). Cumming placed sixth overall (24:32). Buonfiglio finished seventh during the meet (24:32).
The boys’ team (1-0) defeated Georgetown 22-35.
Madden broke the tape first during the meet (18:20). McKrell finished second (18:40). Astrofsky secured a fifth place finish (19:52). Soriano was sixth during the meet (20:10). Briggs finished seventh overall (20:40).
DiBiase was thrilled both teams earned a decisive victory over Georgetown.
“It was a great first meet for both teams,” said DiBiase. “It was a wonderful way to start the season in a very pretty cross-country course. Honestly, it was terrific to see the team compete, especially since we have been shut down for so long. I was very proud of their efforts.”