It’s been quite a busy month for Marblehead’s boys cross country team. From highly-anticipated invitationals to Northeastern Conference battles, there were several strong performances.
Starting with the Twilight Invitational at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Falmouth, Marblehead competed in the medium school varsity race and finished eighth of 23 teams.
Will Cruikshank led the way with a 38th-place finish in 16:50. He was followed by Henrik Adams (41st, 16:54), Filip Grubor (45th, 16:59), Zach Pike (57th, 17:21), Colin Hart (106th, 18:26), Thomas Svencer (128th, 18:51), and Isaac Durand (131st, 18:56).
“This was a great showing against many of the teams the boys will see at the state divisional championships,” said Marblehead coach Brian Heenan.
In a conference showdown against Winthrop at the Lead Mills Conservation Area, the Magicians (4-3) won, 15-48, in their final home meet of the season. The team was led by a group of runners who crossed the finish line together: Adams, Cruikshank, Pike, Hart, and Grubor. Felix Regnault and Tom Svencer weren’t far behind.
“This was a great way to end the regular season for the team – especially the seniors,” Heenan said. “Seniors Henrik, Will, Zach, and Tom have been integral members of the team throughout the last four years. Colin Hart is a new recruit as a senior. He made an immediate impact on the team.”
Last Saturday, the boys competed in three different races of the Catholic Memorial Invitational, which was held at Franklin Park in Boston.
The ninth-graders put on a show against fellow freshmen. Durand led the charge with a 13th-place finish, earning a medal. Ivan Monin also earned a medal for his 25th-place finish, while Daniel Le (107th) ran his “best race of the season,” according to Heenan.
In the junior varsity race, Jack Franklin (36th) was the top finisher for Marblehead in 36th place. He was followed by Grey Collins (44th), and Graham Firestone (61st).
And in the varsity race, the boys finished ninth of 116 teams. Adams (26th) was the top finisher, followed by Cruikshank (34th), Grubor (36th), Pike (58th), and Regnault (114th).
The boys will compete in Saturday’s NEC championship meet at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester.