The Manchester Essex girls’ cross-country team is off to a fast start, while the boys just missed on picking up victories in their first two meets of 2024.
The girls beat Ipswich by a 22-37 score on September 11, and then defeated Lynnfield by a 27-30
score on September 18, with the upperclassmen leading the way.
“For the girls, senior Captain Sabine Cooper has been a standout, placing second and first in the first two meets,” says Manchester Essex cross country coach Steve Whittey. “Junior River Silva has been our second runner – she came into the season showing great improvement over last year. Senior Captain Whitney Turner has been running well as our third runner.”
He adds: “Freshman Kalin Bennett has been a pleasant surprise running a great fourth for the team. Senior Libby McKinnon, sophomore Sadie Rich, senior Hayden Remmington and sophomore Grace Castellucci provide good depth to the team.”
The girls team needs to stay healthy to keep running – and winning – at their current pace.
“Preventing injuries will be key to the girls having a great season as they start racing more,” says Whittey.
Meanwhile, the boys’ team lost to Ipswich, 29-28, on September 11, and then lost to Lynnfield by the same score on September 18. Once again, the team
captains have been some of the top performers so far for the Hornets.
“Senior tri-captain Henry Stevens is off to a great start, winning the first two races,” explains Whittey. “Lyall Cunningham, also a tri-captain, has been a solid second runner. Two freshmen, Gus Hall and Isaiah Nicastro, have really contributed as our third and fourth runners.”
Help could be on the way for the boys’ team in the form of captain Henry Chadbourne, who has missed the early portion of the fall season due to injury. With Chadbourne out, younger runners have picked up the pace and contributed points.
“First year runner sophomore James Aloi has stepped up, filling the fifth spot on the team,” says Whittey. “Our younger runners should continue to improve for the rest of the season.”
The next meet for both Hornet squads is Georgetown on September 25, and then Hamilton-Wenham on October 1. In between that is the MSTCA Invitational, scheduled for September 28.
“Saturday will be our first big meet as we go to Wrentham for the Bay State Invitational, followed by our toughest dual meet against Hamilton Wenham on October 1,” says Whittey.
