It was state championship time for Marblehead’s boys and girls spring track teams this past weekend. They made their way to Bridgewater State with the boys (40 points) finishing in seventh place, and girls (38) placing ninth.
Leading the boys’ division were Walpole (92), Milton (62), and Westborough (61). On the girls’ side were Mansfield (96), Reading Memorial (69), and Oliver Ames (59).
“This state championship was filled with great moments and memories, and the field of competitors was laudable,” said Marblehead coach Nolan Raimo. “We competed with the best of the best and represented Marblehead well.”
As for the big news, Marblehead’s William Cerrutti won the mile, “which was one of the most exciting races I’ve seen in person,” according to Raimo.
He recorded a personal-best time of 4:19.65.
“Hands down, the most electric race of the season,” Raimo said. “The craziest part is that Will knows he can run faster with even splits, and he’ll get the chance to do just that against the best in the state at the MIAA Meet of Champions 1-mile on Saturday. … No one who saw that race will ever forget.”
Rachael Albert caught eyes in discus, throwing 108-4, 112-8, and 112-1 to earn third place.
“Rachael did it again,” said coach Danny Plunkett.
In the 2-mile, the dynamic duo of Isaac Gross (3rd; 9:30.66) and Nate Assa (6th; 9:43.92) each impressed.
“Isaac and Nate both ran excellent, considering the conditions,” said coach Will Herlihy. “It’s absolutely insane to have two boys who both run 9:30 on the same team.”
Marrietta O’Connell, just a sophomore, registered a 11:16.78 for fourth place in the 2-mile. She also placed third in the mile (PR 5:10.60).
“Marri ran with the top pack for most of the race and her fourth-place finish in 11:16.78 was hard-earned,” Herlihy said. “It may not have been the place or time she wanted, but it was unquestionably one of her better races.”
Thomas Carlson was the runner-up in the 100m with a time of 11.25; Thomas Carlson finished fifth in the 200m (22.74); and Sadie Halpern finished sixth in the 400m (60.13).
“Sadie is an outstanding competitor who leaves it all on the track,” Raimo said.
Paige Tredwell checked in at third in the 100mh/110mh (16.22) and seventh in the long jump (15-11.5). As for the 4x400m, Ava Machado, O’Connell, Kate Twomey, and Halpern battled to a fourth-place finish in 4:13.02.
“With tired legs, competing in their second or third events in three days, this group willed itself to a fourth-place finish,” Raimo said.