By John Owens, ’28

Staff writer

As they braved the cold and unforgiving winter season, members of the Indoor Track team surpassed personal goals and toppled school records. Track and field offers many opportunities for someone who looks to soar and succeed, someone who wishes to showcase their capabilities and make a difference in the sports world. This year was no different. 

In comparison to last year, the team saw a major increase in athletes across all grades. Alongside the new arrivals, this season was the first without Coach Nee, whose dedication and impact on the team will always be remembered and appreciated. We welcomed Coach Molly Ferro for the girls team and, together with Coach Sullivan for the boys team, we had a phenomenal year. 

Our first Patriot League meet back in December served as a benchmark for athletes to understand where they were starting from. Seasoned athletes once again found themselves back at the Reggie Louis Center, striving to beat PRs and earn points for the Hawks. Those new to the sport would find their main event that would showcase their abilities. The leadership of the team captains helped guide them through the first meet and throughout the season, providing ongoing encouragement and support. 

At every meet, each member of the team showed up ready to give it their all. The unprecedented amount of snow this season prevented the team from practicing outside, forcing them to use the school hallways and stairwells as training grounds. But the Hawks persevered, remaining dedicated and determined to win.

That determination delivered a season full of record-setting performances. At the Patriot League Championships, junior Callie Delaney broke the school record in the 55 meters (7.60), while senior captain Ben Willis reset his own 600-meter record in 1:24.63 and added another record in the 300 meters. The 4×200-meter relay team of Willis, junior Altonio Royster, junior Cody Hofeman, and sophomore Lucas Almeida also set a new school mark. Willis now holds a hand in five school records, an impressive feat to achieve in any sport.

At the Division 4 Championships, Royster broke his own long jump record with a leap of 20 feet, 7 inches, and placed eighth, while also taking third in the high jump. Willis placed fourth in the 600 meters. At the Meet of Champions, Willis lowered his 600-meter record again to 1:24.03 to finish ninth overall, and Royster matched his personal best in the high jump, clearing 6 feet, 2 inches. Royster truly soared at the New England Track and Field Championships, clearing 6 feet, 3 inches in the high jump, a personal milestone that also ties the school record.

The boys’ team was captained by Willis and fellow seniors Joe Lynch, James McDermod, Matt Bell, and Leo Galvin. The girls’ team was led by senior captains Bella Ciccolo, Anna Egan, Emma Ryan, and Liz Winnie. These seniors will be remembered for their positive attitude, strong work ethic, dedication to the team, and encouragement of all underclassmen. While the winter season is over, many athletes are already looking ahead to the sunny days and tough workouts of spring sports.

Click on the image to view larger