Boys’ XC wraps up solid season at MSTCA Cup
Published November 27, 2020
MELROSE—The Melrose High boys cross-country team ended their winning season on the right note, with a 3-2 league finish and a solid showing at the MSCTA cup over the weekend in Attleboro.
It was a unique and successful season for the Red Raiders and on Saturday, they sent 12 runners to the MSTCA cup, an innovative event where small groups of runners went off in waves every few minutes and had their times collated and compared. The field was quite strong in this qualifying event. Melrose competed against 8 teams in Division 2 and together finished a strong 3rd.
Leading the way for Melrose (as he has done all season) was Matt Fox, who finished the rolling 5K course in 17:43, good for 20th in the field of 101. Next in 29th was Will Dugan who crossed the line in 18:08. Ryan Cotugno was third in Melrose in 18:38. Leighton Bailey was right behind in 18:46, good for 40th and Ellis Irulli-Hough finished the scoring for Melrose with his 19:27. Also running well in the varsity race were Colin Bakey, 20:02, Stone Liu, 20:16, Adam Drafts-Johnson,21:04, Nick Dulling, 21:38, Matt Frawley, and Peter Story, 24:20. Competing in the 1.6 mile junior varsity race was Harrison Lee, who covered the course in just 12:16.
Coach Allison had praise for the team and everyone who made it happen. Rare was it to find a school in the league with an uninterrupted schedule this season. “We were remarkably fortunate in being one of the only teams in the Middlesex League to complete our schedule,” he said, “I had great seniors this year who made sure protocols were followed so our season would happen.”
He continued. “We had great leadership from our captains, Matt Frawley, Colin Bakey, and Matt Stockwell, as well as seniors Dan Urchuk, Leighton Bailey, William Burke, Nick Dulling, Julian Nowik, Bennett Kraunelis, Adam Drafts Johnson, Ethan Cesar and Dylen Motova. We are also appreciative of Athletic Director Stephen Fogarty, who not only gave us every opportunity to have a season, but was instrumental in keeping all our athletes aware of the responsibilities needed to have this season.”
The team also wants to announce some of their awards and acknowledgements. Most Valuable Player went to junior Matt Fox. The Rookie Award, given to an impact first, year non freshman went to Ellis Irulli-Hough for his impressive season. Freshman Award went to Caleb Miller, and two Improvement Awards went to Will Dugan and Harrison Lee.
Finally, 2021 captains were announced and they will be Ryan Cotugno, Matt Fox, and Will Dugan. Coach Allison salutes them. “Congratulations to all members or the team who were able to complete this unique and remarkable season.”
