WEST NEWBURY — The North Reading High School Cross Country team took on a strong Pentucket squad in their last regular Cape Ann League season contest last Wednesday. Despite tremendous efforts from all participants, the Panthers were just a little too deep for the Hornets in both races. The Hornets fell 19-44 in the Boys race and 19-43 in the Girls race to end the regular season at 0-5 for both squads.
In the Boys race, Nico Johnson continued his streak of finishing as the Hornets top runner as he outkicked a Pentucket runner at the line to take second place overall in a time of 18:59 over the 2.97 mile race.
“Nico is starting to come on strong and is definitely realizing he has the potential to really make his mark in the big meets still to come,” said Hornets Head Coach Ryan Spinney. “His finish today took a lot of heart and he knows he still has another level he can reach.”
Following Johnson was Alex Mitasev, who took 10th overall in a time of 20:05.
“Alex has been a steady presence for us this fall,” said Spinney. “He has definitely improved his training and the results speak for themselves. He is really turning into a strong competitor.”
Cole Fabrizio had his best race after coming back from an injury, as he finished 13th overall in a time of 20:59. In another gutsy finish, Raffi Toby caught his Panther opponent in the last stride to finish 14th in a time of 21:31. Dylan Zecher (17th, 21:58), Connor Abruzzese (18th, 21:59), Dawson Duffley (19th, 22:21), Michael Mahoney (22nd, 23:27), Aidan Seaman (27th, 29:44) and Ben Russell (28th, 30:50) rounded out the Hornets impressive performances on the day.
“It is the same message after each meet, regardless of the score, we are getting stronger and improving as a team,” said Spinney. “We will certainly catch some teams off guard at the CAL Open and the MIAA Division 3A meet in the coming weeks.”
On the Girls side, Quin Kelly continued her impressive first season in cross country as she took 2nd overall in the girls race in a time of 21:29.
“Quin has established herself an elite runner in the league and her consistent improvements show that she is going to be for a long time,” said Spinney. “She works incredibly hard and she will make some noise at the league and state meets ahead.”
Allison Koenig continued her strong senior campaign as she placed 8th in a time of 24:57.
“Ali has done a great job pushing herself and leading by example this fall. Each race she has competed in has been better than the last. We can’t ask for anything more than that,” said Spinney.
Stella DaSilva (12th, 26:02), Riley MacDonald (14th, 26:16), Vanessa Steinmeyer (17th, 27:13), Sophie Saquet (24th, 33:45) and Miriana Bornstein (28th, 34:26) rounded out the Hornet competitors and each had great races on a tough course. “This team gives it all they have each time out and we are very proud of them and their improvement this fall. The record means nothing, the effort they give means everything and that is something we don’t have to question,” said Spinney. “CALs and States should be a very fun time for us and we look forward to seeing how we do.”
The Hornets now enter the postseason as they will be competing at the Cape Ann League Open Championship on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Wrentham Developmental Center.