THE NRHS boys’ cross country team improved on plenty of times in their meet against Lynnfield on Sept. 20. (Eric Evans Photo)
LYNNFIELD — The North Reading High School cross country team traveled to Lynnfield on Wednesday, Sept. 20 for a showdown with a strong Pioneers program who has really improved over the last few years. Despite the very best times of the season for just about every member of the team, the Pioneers were able to take home the victories as they defeated the Hornets 20-43 in the girls’ race and 17-42 in the boys’ race. Both teams are now 0-2 for the 2023 season.
Sophomore Quin Kelly continued her scorching start to her XC career as she remained undefeated with a 41 second victory in the 2.95 mile race with a time of 19:50. Senior Stella Da Silva was the second Hornet to finish with a 10th place effort in a time of 25:00. Junior Vanessa Steinmeyer (12th, 26:18), Freshman Riley MacDonald (13th, 26:22), Senior Sophie Saquet (17th, 29:32) and Sophomore Miriana Bornstein (20th, 36:36) rounded out the Hornet competitors on the day. “We ran very well and competed the best we have this season,” said Hornets Head Coach Ryan Spinney. “Everyone stepped up and gave it their very best effort today. Lots of smiles and truly impressive races. Don’t read into the score too much, we are very happy at the progress we made with today’s race.”
Junior Nico Johnson led the Hornets with a 4th place finish in a time of 17:57 over the 2.95 mile course. Junior co-captain Alex Mitasev (10th, 19:08), Sophomore Gerard Jorda (11th, 19:15), Junior Dawson Duffley (16th, 20:01), Junior Raffi Toby (17th, 20:42), Freshman Connor Abruzzese (24th, 21:28), Senior Dylan Zecher (26th, 21:46), Junior co-captain David Wyatt (29th, 22:52), Junior Michael Mahoney (31st, 22:56), Junior Aidan Seaman (35th, 28:25) and Sophomore Benjamin Russell (36th, 28:32) rounded out the squad.
“We had some breakthrough races across the board,” said Spinney. “Tons of improvement and some excellent, gutsy finishes from our athletes. We can’t ask for any more than that. We are very happy and look forward to building on this success despite the score.”
The Hornets were back in action after press time on Wednesday at Essex Tech for their third league contest of the season.