Methuen boys outrun Lowell for season title
The Methuen boys’ cross-country team earned its 25th straight victory in the Merrimack Valley Conference yesterday, dropping second-ranked Lowell, 23-32, clinching its second consecutive regular-season title, and likely changing the rankings by the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association.
The Rangers entered yesterday’s meet ranked third behind the Red Raiders, with both teams holding 7-0 records.
“Winning the [Merrimack Valley Conference] was one of our goals coming into the season,’’ said Methuen coach Bill James. “It is a great accomplishment, especially doing it against Lowell.
“There is no team we admire more.’’
Methuen senior Jared Reddy broke his home course record by 17 seconds, finishing the 2.9-mile course in 14 minutes 40 seconds.
Lowell juniors Mike Giardina (14:56) and Padraigh Donovan (15:03) were second and third.
The real story of the meet was provided by Methuen’s fourth-place finisher, Tyler Sullivan.
As the gun went off for the start of the race, Sullivan was tripped and broke his wrist. Before the restart, James conferred with the senior.
“When I looked at his wrist, I knew it was broken,’’ said James. “I asked him if he could give it 15 minutes.’’
Sullivan, normally the team’s fourth-fastest runner, according to James, proceeded to run the entire course and finished in 15:12. Afterward, he went straight to the emergency room.
“He is the toughest kid I have ever coached,’’ said James.
Bishop Fenwick 3, Marian 2 - Doug Garabidien notched a hat trick in the Crusaders’ win.
Dedham 6, Brookline 2 - Sophomore Jenna Savi had four goals and an assist, and senior Patrice Bettori added two goals and three assists.
St. John’s Prep 242, Masconomet 268 - St. John’s Prep coach Larry O’Neill won his 300th match as his team ran its record to 16-0 with one match remaining before tournament play.
Dracut 17 1/2, Tewksbury 2 1/2 - Junior Dan Murphy led the way for Dracut, shooting a 2-under-par 34.
North Andover 4, Amesbury 0 - Candace Waldie had two goals and Alie Moen had two assists for the Knights (12-1-3).
Silver Lake 1, Scituate 0 - Senior Curt Olson scored, with an assist from junior Gabby Cauchon.
Kimball Union 6, Brewster Academy 1 - Junior Kelly Joyce led the way with two goals and two assists.
North Reading 3, Wilmington 0 - Senior Nicole Cecchini paced North Reading with seven kills and 10 digs.
