History made as MHS wins first ever state title
By JENNIFER GENTILE
WRENTHAM—It was a day of history for the Melrose High girls’ cross country team who became MIAA Div. 2A state champions on Sat. Nov. 11 with a first place finish at the Div. 2 finals held at the Wrentham Developmental Center.
It was a remarkable feat for Melrose coach Nick Tuccinardi’s runners, who did what no other MHS girls cross country has done to date, by earning 86 points, edging closest rivals Longmeadow (90) and Walpole (91) out of contention.
It was depth that prevailed, and the perfect numerical finishes that saw Melrose with critical top 25 placements that helped preserve the win. With it, they now advance to All States this weekend at Ft. Devens.
Melrose’s best time was achieved by Adeline Lawlor who medaled in 10th with a time of 20:27. Following her in order were Maizie Frakt (19th at 21:13) Darby Thompson (21st at 21:20) and Naomi Braey (23rd at 21:25). Melrose also kept in the top fifty with runs from Ella Ugino, Kensington Ludlum and Violeta Rechea. It all proved pivotal. Competing for Melrose also as alternates were Jaya Karamcheti, Ava Picone and Teagan Altman.
This group will advance to compete at All States this weekend.
According to coach Tuccinardi, a lot of things went right for Melrose to achieve such a high standard. Melrose placed second at this Division final in both 2022 and 2021. This time they crossed the finish line, literally. Notes the coach, “Last year and the year before that I think paved the way. We ran so well today and shaved off times that helped.”
He spoke of the winning culture that is instilled on the team. “It’s gratifying to get here. This feels kind of organic, and we had been inching closer each season to get here. We’re peaking at the right time and excited to go to All States.”
He credited his standout runners for a stellar day. “Addie Lawlor somehow ran 13 seconds faster than last week which was amazing. Darby had an incredible race with a gutsy performance. Maizie has fought back so hard to train in the off-season for a great race today. Naomi Braey has been so strong all season and Ella Ugino had a great race strategy, saving her energy to pick up 20 spots in the final legs of the race, which was incredible.”
The team’s senior captains Darby Thompson, Addie Lawlor and Jaya Karamcheti spoke of the team’s efforts and training going into such an event.
Says Lawlor, who medaled. “It feels surreal and well deserved as a team. We’ve been dreaming of this for a while. I trained my best for this moment and the medal made it all worth it.”
Jaya Karamcheti credited the overall season effort of every runner. “Everyone puts their full energy into every run. All of our runners’ PR’s (personal wins) are enough to make this season wonderful but this was cherry on top.”
Noted Darby Thompson, “I was proud of how determined this team was and it’s personally fulfilling as a senior to get here.”
They gave their thoughts on strategy for this weekend’s ultimate test. Says Karamcheti, “We’re focusing on mindset…visualizing races and creating positive affirmations to say to ourselves during the race.”
Says Thompson, “Starting off slower and picking off runners near the end is a strategy I’ve used this season and on Saturday. Saving energy for that third mile is always important.”
For Lawlor, rest of recuperation is a big part of this week. “We’re focusing on maintaining our speed we’ve built up and not to over-train this last week. It’s important to leave it all out on the course.”
Action takes place this Saturday at Ft. Devens.