Behind a school record-breaking 3000m run by Cayla Hatton ’12 and an all-around strong team performance, Andover Girls Track squeezed out a 72-71 victory over Andover High School (AHS) this weekend.
The boys also came close, but they wound up falling to AHS 64-76.
Despite rough weather conditions, Andover held even with AHS, a perennially dominant team, throughout most of the meet.
Boys Captain James Lim ’12 said, “Facing temperatures in the low 40s and gusts of up to 20 miles per hour on the back stretch, Saturday’s meet was held under less than favorable conditions. Despite these circumstances, however, the team came together as a group and delivered numerous solid early season performances while facing off against Andover High, one of the best public high schools in the state.”
The girls demonstrated much depth en route to their win. Becca Wagman ’13 continued her hot streak from last year by taking home the 100m Dash and contributing to the victorious 4 by 400m relay. Kinsey Yost ’15 seized both the 400m and the Long Jump, and Aly Wayne ’14 took first in the 1500m.
Senior leadership was also crucial, as Jamie Shenk ’12 won the Javelin, Tafarii McKenzie ’12 won the 200m, and Hatton dominated the 3000m.
On the boys side, Andover demonstrated that it has a lot of firepower across the board. Jack Ward ’13 threw an incredible 49’ 9’’ in the Shot Put and Matt Cohen ’12 won the Discus.
Lim said, “These two [throwers] really solidify Andover’s position as one of the best throwing squads in the league.”
Brian Wagner ’14 came out strong, winning both the 100m Dash and the Triple Jump.
Izzy Davila ’12 did equally well, winning the 300m Intermediate Hurdles in a huge personal best.
The distance trio of Kian Ivey ’12, Michael Frasco ’12 and James Hamilton ’12 captured valuable points in the 800m, 1500m and 3000m races.
Andover’s team chemistry has been crucial so far. Yost said, “The team has unparalleled chemistry compared to any other track team I have run for. Everyone performed well and the captains ensured that the meet remained in a positive light. I was extremely nervous going into the first meet, but as soon as I ran my first 400, I wasn’t as worried any longer. This was also due to the fact that everyone on the team was so supportive and I feel like that chemistry will take us all the way to winning Interschols.”
In practice, Andover is focused on getting its entire team healthy and better prepared for its upcoming meets.
The team will seek nothing short of victory against Deerfield and Taft this Saturday.
