LYNN — Track & field is a popular sport down at St. Mary’s, with over 130 athletes signed up for this coming spring. Despite the large number, head coach Tristan Smith believes it’s a major benefit having so many kids on the team.
“There are 17 events in outdoor track & field. So being able to fill every single one of those really helps scoring points not only in dual meets but in championship meets as well,” Smith said. “130 athletes signed up, by far the biggest in the school’s history. It’s fantastic that there is so much interest in track.”
But with 130 athletes come certain challenges.
“All five Lynn teams share Manning Field. As our program has got bigger and bigger, we take up more space. But working as a team with all of our coaches is key,” Smith said. “I’m beyond fortunate to have three full-time assistant coaches. Themo Liakopoulos (assistant head coach), Calie Bridges, and Mark D’Amico help me out a ton.”
When asked about the boys team, Smith said he believes it could be a strong season.
“We have a ton of returners that we are really excited about,” Smith said. “It’s a huge senior class. We’re really going to enjoy this last season together and hope to hit all the marks we’ve been thinking about for a while.”
Those returning on the boys side include Kyle Kwiatek, Anthony D’Itria, and Brett O’Brien. Smith described Kwiatek as a long-distance runner, with the mile being his favorite event.
Regarding O’Brien, Smith praised his versatility in competing in “just about everything,” including the high jump, javelin, and hurdles.
D’Itria is another great field athlete who is a “strong high jumper and triple jumper”. Though both D’Itria and O’Brien compete in field events, Smith said they are also “great sprinters who will be part of the 4×100 and possibly 4×400 relay team.”
On the girls side, Smith is enthusiastic about their potential.
“We’re definitely on the younger side. We don’t have as many seniors, but this team is filled with so much promise,” Smith said. “The girls are getting better and better which makes me optimistic not only for this year but for the future.”
Smith talked at length about the abilities of eighth-grader Kelsey Kwiatek and sophomore Tina Amin.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Kelsey Kwiatek does this year as an eighth grader. She qualified for MIAA divisional state meets as a sixth grader,” Smith said. “I’m excited to see what she’s going to do this year. To have a middle schooler doing hurdles who embraces the challenge, I just love that about her,” Smith said.
On Amin, Smith said he believes her incredible indoor track season will benefit her this spring.
“She’s second all-time in St. Mary’s history in the indoor long jump. She specializes in 100 and 200, but she’ll run up to the 400 and do the relays. She’s a really hard worker who will do just about anything we ask,” Smith said.
With 130 athletes, St. Mary’s is set to compete at the highest level this season and for years to come.
