Middle school cross country runners compete in meets

Middle school students were off and running in cross country meets at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester on Thursday.Results are as follows:NEC CHAMPIONSHIPSGIRLSFirst place team, Peabody, 38 points; second place, Beverly, 47 points; third place, Gloucester, 52 points. Nine girls teams participated overall.Top girls runner overall, Abby Walsh, Beverly, 9:40; second place, Julia Curtin, Beverly, 9:41; third place, Alyssa Shashaty, Peabody, 9:59.BOYSFirst place team, Peabody, 46 points; second place, Beverly, 73 points; third place, Swampscott, 78 points. There were nine teams overall.Top boys runner overall, Marcelo Rocha, Peabody, 8:57; second place, Brian McPherson, Beverly, 9:03; third place, Jack Dennehy, Swampscott, 9:08.JIM MUNN INVITATIONALGIRLSThe top local finisher was Sarah Ryan of St. Mary’s (10:27, 12th). The top local school was St. Mary’s of Danvers (208 points, 7th).BOYSThe top local finisher was Tayjuan McKenzie, KIPP Academy (9:27, 13th). Coming in 17th place was Michael Cerulli of St. Pius V (9:35). The top local school was St. Mary’s of Danvers (15th, 444 points).Rich Tenorio can be reached at [email protected].