By JENNIFER GENTILE
BOSTON— Fresh off their great showings at the MIAA Div. 3 State Finals little over a week ago, the Melrose High boys’ and girls’ track teams sent their qualified athletes to the elite MIAA All State “Meet of Champions” held at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston on February 22, where they not only landed on the podium, but also advanced one athlete to the exclusive MIAA New England’s Final this weekend.
At the top of the podium was state champion Sam Madden in the high jump. The senior placed second against all Div. 1-4 competition, earning a silver medal that has assured him a spot against New England competition this weekend.
He reached 6’06 on his high jump, just below winner Derek Shimer of Newburyport (6’08) and Madden’s reach was good enough to send him to compete with New England’s best this Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Center.
His teammates also landed among the top of the pack. Senior Adam Caldwell finished his indoor track season with an impressive 9th place finish in the 600 meter with a time of 1:24.19. Senior captain Caleb Barnes also finished his indoor season with a 10th place finish in the 2 mile. It’s expected that both athletes, along with Madden, will continue their track season in the spring.
Over on the girls’ side, the team sent a strong group of athletes who competed in individual and relay events. The highlight was their 4×800 team landing on the podium with an 8th place finish, thanks to the work of Cadence L’Heureux, Reilly Powell, Ella Yorkey and Maizie Frakt.
Melrose also cracked the top 20 with finishes by Reilly Powell in the 1 mile (15th), Ella Yorkey in the 1000 (17th). Cadence L’Heureux in the long jump (20th) and saw work from Emme Boyer in the shot put and Emma Drago in the 600.
Both teams finish seasons in which they won their league titles, a first ever to happen consecutively, and in the boy’s case, the first title ever.
Expect most of Melrose’s fleet footed runners to extend their track and field seasons into the spring seasons, so there is more to come.