Published April 8, 2021

NORTH READING — The North Reading boys’ indoor track team fell in their first two contests of the wedge season, as they lost 48-38 to Newburyport and 51-35 to Triton, respectively. Despite the 0-2 start, Hornets head coach Ryan Spinney is optimistic about the progress the team is making.

“We have had some really strong performances in both meets and the kids are really improving in many of the events,” said Spinney. “The record is not the result of lack of hard work, that is for sure.”

Clippers down Hornets on Opening Day

On Wednesday, March 31, the Hornets traveled to a windy Newburyport facility to take on the Clippers. Despite five individual first place winners and a relay victory, the Hornets were not able to overcome the Clippers.

The winners for the Hornets included senior captain Grayson Budny (55 meter dash, 6.84), junior Aidan Nadeau (1 mile, 4:48.8), junior Spencer Beane (300 meter run, 39.0), senior captain Jack Murphy (600 meter run, 1:25.2), junior Nick Ciardiello (shot put, 36’ 3.25”) and the 4×400 meter relay team of junior Spencer Beane, senior captain Garrett Butler, junior Aidan Nadeau and senior captain Jack Murphy (3:46.2).

Senior captain Peter Wyatt took 2nd place in the shot put (35’ 8.75) for three points for the Hornets. Five individuals took 3rd place honors for the Hornets as junior Jake Mikulski (55 meter hurdles, 9.09), senior Kyle Rabbitt (300 meters, 40.5), sophomore Brady Miller (1000 meter run, 3:03.0), junior Casey O’Connor (shot put, 34’ 11.5”) and senior captain Jack Murphy (high jump, 5 ‘4”) rounded out the Hornet point getters.

“We are disappointed but not disheartened by the loss today,” said Spinney. “We had some great performances across the board and we certainly were not lacking effort in all events. We will continue to get better each day.”

Hornets fight hard, fall to Vikes in second meet of the season

On Monday, April 5, the Hornets opened up their home docket as they welcomed the Triton Vikings to Arthur J. Kenney Field. In a valiant effort, the Hornets did as much as they could but the Vikings prevailed 51-35.

The Hornets were led by four individual event winners: senior captain Grayson Budny (55 meter dash, 7.04), senior captain Jack Murphy (600 meter run, 1:28.9), junior Aidan Nadeau (2 mile, 10:18.9) and junior Casey O’Connor (37’ 6.5”).

Taking home 2nd place honors were senior captain Garrett Butler (55 meter hurdles, 8.7), junior Spencer Beane (300 meter run, 39.7) and Junior Nick Ciardiello (shot put, 36’ 2.5”).

Rounding out the Hornet placers were six individuals who took 3rd place honors: junior Jake Mikulski (55 meter hurdles, 8.9 and high jump, 5’ 4”), junior Alex Carpenter (55 meter dash, 7.28), junior Anthony Petrosino, (1 mile, 5:21.0), senior Henry Pelmas (600 meter run, 1:38.8) and senior captain Peter Wyatt (shot put, 36’ 0.25”).

Despite the loss, Spinney is excited about the improvements across the squad during the meet.

“Our shot put squad has been excellent this season. They have swept both of our meets and junior Jack Fischer is a solid 4th who is knocking on the door of the teammates ahead of him. Very proud of that group and their hard work.” Spinney also was excited to see the growth from the sprinters, jumpers and distance runners as well. “Junior Jake Mikulski is really coming along as a multi-faceted athlete. His hurdling has vastly improved and his 5’4” jump in high jump today was a personal best. Junior Aidan Nadeau is emerging as one of the top distance talents in Cape Ann League and he is proving to be extremely tough to beat. Junior Spencer Beane has become our leader in the 300 meter run and also the lead leg in the 4×400 meter relay. Across the board, we are having guys chip in with points and more importantly, strong efforts. We are just getting started.”

The Hornets have very little rest as they will travel to Pentucket on Thursday for an away meet at 4:30 p.m.