Marblehead’s winter track team ran into rival Swampscott last Thursday, Dec. 14 and received several strong performances.
In the high jump, Graham Tips soared to first place with a clearance of 5-8, while Philine Heuermann, Paige Tredwell, and Elise Burchfield all eclipsed 4-8 for the girls.
“The Division 3 State Championship qualifier is 4-10, and for three girls to be clearing 4-8 this early in the season is very exciting,” said coach Nolan Raimo.
As for shot put, Riley Schmitt placed second with a toss of 42, while Lillian Reddy broke 30 and won the girls competition with a new personal record. Rachael Albert was right behind her with a 29-5.5.
“Both of these girls have been chasing 30 feet and I expect them to be neck-and-neck this season as they continue to improve,” Raimo said.
Thomas Carlson (6.76) and Ava Machado (7.36) impressed in the 55m. In the 55m hurdles, Alex Hersey won with a 7.85, while Elise Burchfield took first with a 9.54.
“Alex is running very, very fast hurdle times for early-mid December,” Raimo said.
Will Cerrutti (4:52.8) snagged first in the mile, to which Raimo added, “It’s safe to say that Will Cerrutti has found his racing legs early in his first season of indoor track.”
Isaias Aguasvivas Pena and LeDaisha Williams won the 300m, respectively, while the 4×400 team of Sadie Halpern, Morgan Zion, Gabby Hendy, and Kate Twomey zoomed from the rest of the field in 4:44.
“There’s a lot of talent in the long sprints group, and this 4×400 time will continue to drop through the season,” Raimo said.
On the boys’ side, Graydon Waller, Marc Grazado, Slater Johnson, and Will Cruikshank “ran
the most exciting event of the meet,” according to Raimo, with a second-place finish of 4:04.7.
“Approaching the 4:00 mark on a small track is a great run,” Raimo said.