PEABODY — Both the Peabody girls (5-1) and boys (4-2) track teams have enjoyed a successful season so far. Now, they embark on the championship part of the season.
Head coach Fernando Braz said his group is right in line with where they wanted to be at the start of the season.
“We’re happy we got through the regular season, and now the excitement and the energy is focused on the championship season,” Braz said.
Since Peabody doesn’t need to worry about qualifying for the postseason anymore, Braz sees a new challenge for himself and the team.
“Now it’s a matter of whether we can get sharper, get more focused, and coach better,” Braz said. “That’s the challenge we have going forward. We’re going to be at the dances – now can we get better and compete at that level.”
One event both the boys and girls teams have been competing at a high rate is shot put. This past weekend (State Coaches Meet), Alex Jackson took home first place in shot put with a throw of 52’8.25, while Aaliyah Callahan took second place with a throw of 38’4.25. Jessica Richards placed seventh with a 33’3.25.
Braz said putters have been “great” this year.
“Our shot put team has consistently been the best team within the program,” Braz said. “They have remained undefeated during the regular season. At the Division 2 state relays, they both won the girls and the boys division.”
During a sports season, there tends to be surprises. This year, Braz pointed to “the development of our young kids.”
“They have really developed well over the course of the season. It’s a credit to them and the coaches. We are happy with our young development team,” Braz said.
At the freshman/sophomore Northeastern Conference Meet, the girls team won while the boys tied.
“The freshman/sophomore meet is usually indicative of the future of the track and field program,” Braz said. “That has been our most pleasant surprise – the development of our ninth and tenth graders.”
With the NEC Meet happening this weekend, Braz looks for some of his best performers to step up and compete. High on that list: Alex Jackson.
“Alex is a sophomore who, as a freshman and sophomore, won the state championship in shot put,” Braz said. “He was the meet MVP for [the] field event in the freshman/sophomore event and was most recently named MVP last weekend,” Braz said.
Savanna Vargas has also impressed Braz, as “she’s our top sprinter and long jumper.” Sarah DiVasta – who’s looking to go to South Carolina – is “our top distance runner.” And lastly, Logan Tracia – who will be running for Grand Valley State in Michigan – is “our top middle distance and distance runner.”
With the talent of the competitors, and knowledge of Braz, Peabody looks to run its way to the finish line in style.
