You know what I’ve been thinking? Like Forrest Gump running past the end zone and into the locker room, some people just have a knack for running. And, like Forrest, no one was close behind.
Marblehead’s cross country superstar, Marrietta O’Connell, repeated as individual champion of the Northeastern Conference this past weekend. At Stage Fort Park in Gloucester (5K), she finished in 18:05, improving her time from last season by 20 seconds.
Swampscott freshman Annabelle Averett ran a fantastic race to finish second, but it was 29 seconds behind O’Connell, a junior.
Talk about a resume. The win gave O’Connell a conference title in back-to-back seasons. Even as a freshman, she secured a second-place finish.
The Marblehead girls put on a solid show, finishing third behind repeat champion Peabody and second-place Beverly. Freshmen Ruby Assa (21:15) and Evie Becker (21:48) were Marblehead’s second- and third-place runners, finishing 19th and 22nd, respectively. They were followed by sophomores Jesslyn Roemer (22:07) and Evelina Beletsky (22:10).
Now, the team has its eyes on the Division 2A qualifying meet at Fort Devens.
Marrietta, good week.
