LYNN — The season is warming up nicely for the English boys track team. The Bulldogs defeated Classical Monday, 88-48, at Manning Field for their second victory of the season.
“We have very high expectations this year,” said coach Sam Hill. “We are looking for a lot of guys to qualify for the states.”
Beating Classical is huge a friendly rivalry, but we look forward to it every year,” Hill said, adding that the Bulldogs have runners from the cross country team which is a big advantage for them.
“We have more experienced guys with us like Juan Avelino, and Sam Adewale,” said Hill. “Prince Brown, Abrar Jala and Tyshawn Anderson are also key runners to be looking out for this season.”
Brown Avelino and Anderson were mainstays for last fall’s 10-1 football team.
The Rams have been facing multiple injuries this season, which has resulted in a difficult start.
Chase Buono is a football player and indoor track performer who is currently injured.
“That’s a big hole,” said coach Angel Melendez.
Fortunately for the Rams, most injuries are not going to keep the kids out for the entire season, Melendez said.
The Rams may have lost the meet but they had some important wins. Senior captain Dajon Wilson placed first in the long jump (19-4) and the triple jump (38-6). However, Wilson was injured after triple jump.
“They are not long term injuries, but they tend to linger around the whole season,” coach Melendez said.
Junior Mejia won first place on the mile with a time of 5:17.5.
Many of Melendez’s runners are basketball and football players — similar to English — and he is hoping more athletes begin paying attention to track and field.
“I would love if the city could pay more attention to track and field.” he said. “We have wonderful athletes doing this sport and I believe we are very underrated in the city as a whole.”
GIRLS TRACK
Classical 96, English 40
At Manning Field, after a tough start last week against Saugus, the Rams showed marked improvement with the likes of Rachel Brennan, Chloe Kebreau and Kenia Megia making strong showings.
Brennan was the winner of the 2-mile, with a time of 12:39; Kebreau won the 110 hurdles (19.6) and Megia took the mile (6:46).
“I was very proud,” said Classical coach Scott Fiori. “We have a very young team.”
