The Marblehead High boys cross-country team goes to the head of the class after winning the Division 2A State Championship at Willard Field in Devens on Nov. 9. This is the second time in three years that the program has won a divisional championship. They won the Division 1C State Championship in 2022.
The top three Division 2A teams from Saturday’s state divisional meet were Marblehead with 65 points, followed by Plymouth South (67) and Boston Latin Academy (77). A total of 26 teams competed in the annual postseason event.
“The boys were led once again by the dynamic duo of Will Cerrutti and Nate Assa, but they had company in this meet with teammate Jacob Szalewicz (joining in on the fun),” veteran coach Brian Heenan said.
“Will and Nate crossed the line together, finishing first and second in 16:15. Watching them control the race was a site to behold. After they put some distance on the field, they were able to run a conservative race, knowing they will face some great competition at the Division 2 State Championship Meet one week later (Nov. 16),” added Heenan.
“Jacob Szalewicz made it a 1-2-3 finish, as he once again ran a smart, tactical race. He battled two other runners throughout the 5K course, but was able to take control in the final 400 meters, finishing third in 16:30.”
The win did not come easy, however. The Marblehead boys have been relentlessly training since June, much of that training was led by the captains throughout the summer, according to Heenan. Unfortunately, as with every season, the Magicians experienced injuries and illnesses that put this current state win in jeopardy.
“Our fourth, fifth and sixth runners have not been at full strength for the better part of a month,” said Heenan. “They are still in the process of healing, but they towed the line, knowing the team needed them.”
Heading into the final stretch of the state divisional race, Henrik Adams (29th, 18:00) and Will Cruikshank (30th, 18:00) had a furious finishing kick to seal the victory for the team.
“Henrik has battled back from illness this season, and Will has had a quad strain for the last five weeks,” said Heenan. “Jonah Potach (51st, 18:35) competed in his first race in over a month. He has been dealing with a stress reaction in his foot. It was great to see these three come through for the team. David Alpert (78th, 19:19) also had a great race. He has grown so much as a runner throughout his four years with the team.
Strike impact?
“On top of the inevitable injuries and illnesses that come with the season, they also had to overcome the anxiety of a (potential) teachers strike. They have been worried about it for some time now. They had heard about the lack of progress in negotiations, and feared the worst,” added Heenan. “Heading into the week, they did not know if they would be able to compete if the teachers did strike. I know this weighed heavily on them, and unfortunately may continue to do so as they now prepare for the Division 2 State Championship Meet on Nov. 16. I told them to stay focused on their goals, and hope for the best. That is all they can control right now.”
Girls finish seventh
On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Marblehead High girls cross-country team competed in the Division 2A State Championship Meet in Devens, and they ended up finishing seventh overall as a team, thus qualifying them for the Division 2 All-State Championship Meet on Nov. 16.
Despite the challenging course and Marblehead’s third runner having to leave the meet, because of an injury, the Magicians were still able to do enough to secure a seventh-place team finish to earn an invitation to the All-States.
“The team is excited to have qualified for the All-State meet, and they are hopeful that they will be able to compete, despite the ongoing strike situation in Marblehead,” said girls cross country coach Will Herlihy.
Individually, the team was led once again by Marri O’Connell (19:24.72), who, despite battling an illness, still turned in a heroic effort to finish second.
Freshman Ruby Assa (22:07.71) was Marblehead’s second runner to cross the finish line. “She ran an outstanding third mile to finish in the top 35,” said Herlihy.
Sophomores Evelina Beletsky (22:51.76) and Jesslyn Roemer (23:08.02) ran together throughout the race, and ended up 55th and 65th , respectively.
“Evelina’s strong kick in the final 400 meters was the big difference maker in this meet,” said Herlihy.
Seniors Abbie Goodwin (24:23.31) and Maren Potter (25:47.57) finished 104th and 126th , respectively.
“Both seniors gave valiant efforts, despite dealing with some nagging injuries late in the season,” said Herlihy.
Freshman Evie Becker stayed close to Assa throughout the first mile, but had to drop out of the race, because of an injury.
“Ultimately, cross-country may be the one sport of attrition with injuries always happening at the tail end of a season,” said Herlihy. “Runners pile up hundreds of miles between the summer and in-season training, but overall, it was still a very encouraging showing for this young team, who will now regroup for the Division 2 State championship meet.”
